What is considered deviant is the same for _
a. the rich and the poor b. men and women c. college students and adults d. none of the above
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: d. none of the above
Deviance refers to behaviors or actions that violate societal norms or expectations. What is considered deviant can vary widely based on factors such as social class, gender, age, culture, and context. Because of these differences, there is no universal agreement across all social groups on what constitutes deviant behavior.
For instance, the rich and the poor often live under different social expectations and face different consequences for the same actions. A wealthy person may be able to avoid punishment for certain behaviors, such as drug use, while a poor individual might face harsher penalties. Society may also label acts as deviant for the poor that are considered acceptable or even overlooked for the rich.
When it comes to men and women, societal norms often apply differently. Behaviors such as aggression, assertiveness, or clothing choices may be seen as acceptable for men but deviant for women, or vice versa. Gender roles and stereotypes influence how people interpret actions and assign labels like deviant or acceptable.
College students and adults also experience different standards. Behaviors such as partying or experimenting with alcohol may be more socially tolerated or expected among college students, but those same actions might be seen as irresponsible or deviant for older adults. This shows that age and life stage also affect the perception of deviance.
Because deviance is defined relative to social norms, which differ across groups and contexts, it cannot be considered the same for everyone. Therefore, the most accurate choice is d. none of the above, because deviant behavior is interpreted differently depending on one’s social position, background, and the specific situation.