Deviance from group norms

Definition

Deviance from group norms refers to behaviors, beliefs, or actions that violate the established expectations or standards of a particular group. This concept highlights how individuals can diverge from collective behaviors and the consequences that may arise from such divergence, including social sanctions or ostracism. It emphasizes the tension between conformity and individuality within social settings and the role of peer dynamics in shaping behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deviance can vary significantly depending on the context; what is considered deviant in one group may be acceptable in another.
2. The level of deviance tolerated within a group often depends on the group's norms, values, and the degree of peer pressure present.
3. Individuals may engage in deviance as a form of rebellion against societal expectations or as a means of expressing their individuality.
4. Groups may respond to deviance through social sanctions, which can include exclusion, ridicule, or corrective actions to maintain conformity.
5. Understanding deviance requires analyzing the balance between conformity pressures and personal agency in social interactions.

Review Questions

• How does deviance from group norms illustrate the balance between conformity and individuality within social groups?
  • Deviance from group norms illustrates this balance by showing how individuals navigate between their own beliefs or desires and the pressures to conform. When someone acts in a way that deviates from what is expected, it highlights their individuality and willingness to challenge group standards. However, this action can lead to consequences such as social sanctions, demonstrating the power of conformity and how groups react when their norms are disrupted.
• Discuss how peer pressure can contribute to deviance from group norms and the implications it has on individual behavior.
  • Peer pressure can strongly influence individuals to either conform to or deviate from group norms. In some cases, individuals may feel compelled to engage in deviant behaviors to gain acceptance or approval from peers. This can create a cycle where conformity leads to increased pressures to fit in, while also pushing some members to act out against those very norms as a way to assert their identity. The implications can include changes in self-esteem, belongingness, and even long-term behavior patterns.
• Evaluate the role of social sanctions in shaping responses to deviance from group norms and their impact on individual identity.
  • Social sanctions play a critical role in shaping how deviance is managed within groups. They reinforce norms by punishing those who diverge from expected behavior while rewarding conformity. This system of rewards and punishments affects individual identity as people navigate their desire for acceptance against their personal beliefs. When faced with strong social sanctions for their deviant behavior, individuals may either adapt their identity to align more closely with group expectations or choose to embrace their deviance as part of who they are, influencing their long-term social interactions and self-perception.

Related terms

Conformity: The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms or expectations, often driven by social pressure.

Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by a peer group that encourages individuals to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms.

Social Sanctions: Responses from society or group members aimed at reinforcing norms, which can be positive (rewards) or negative (punishments) for deviant behavior.