Deviant Behavior | Definition, Types & Examples

Laura Langford, Yolanda Williams
  • Author
    Laura Langford

    Laura Langford is a nationally Certified Health Education Specialist. She has a Bachelor's degree in Health Education and Health Promotion from Arizona State University, where she also works as an Academic Associate.

  • Instructor
    Yolanda Williams

    Yolanda has taught college Psychology and Ethics, and has a doctorate of philosophy in counselor education and supervision.

Discover what deviant behavior is. Learn about the examples and types of deviant behavior. Understand deviance in society and how it affects culture Updated: 11/21/2023
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of deviant behavior?

The meaning of deviant behavior is actions or behaviors that go against social norms or expectations. Social norms are unwritten rules that a society or culture deems as acceptable. Any behavior that violates social norms or formal laws is considered deviant.

What is an example of deviance behavior?

Deviant behavior can be informal or formal. An example of informal deviant behavior would be picking your nose in public or standing too close to another person. An example of formal deviant behavior would be stealing a car or committing murder.

What is a deviant behavior in society?

A deviant behavior in society is one that goes against social norms or laws established by society. Examples of deviant behavior in society may include alcoholism, underage drinking, eating disorders, and sex exploitation.

The deviant behavior definition refers to actions or behaviors that violate social norms or expectations. Social norms are unwritten rules that guide behavior and are considered acceptable by certain social groups or cultures. The deviant behavior meaning comes from the term ''deviate,'' which means to stray from a normal or acceptable behavior or action. Deviant behavior is often referred to as a deviant action.

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  • 0:01 Deviant Acts:…
  • 1:45 Deviance & Culture
  • 2:47 Lesson Summary

There are two main types of deviant behavior: formal and informal deviant behavior. Formal deviant behavior refers to actions that violate formal laws, whereas informal deviant behavior refers to actions that violate social norms. Both formal and informal deviant behavior can result in negative consequences. For example, formal deviant behavior can result in legal fines and arrest and informal deviant behavior can result in being stigmatized and ostracized by society.

Deviance in society can vary depending on which behaviors society has deemed as deviant and which behaviors are deemed as normal. Each society makes its own determinations regarding deviant behaviors. There are formal laws and rules, and informal social norms in each society that aim to prohibit people from committing deviant acts. Often, people who engage in deviant actions or behaviors are viewed negatively by society and are usually punished or ostracized.

What is considered a deviant behavior can change based on a person's culture. Behaviors that are acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable in another culture. For example, in the United States, it is acceptable behavior to give a thumbs up; however, in Russia and Greece, the same gesture is considered offensive. Additionally, in the United States, it is acceptable to laugh with your mouth open; however, in Japan, it is impolite to show your teeth when laughing. Furthermore, in China, it is considered deviant behavior to hug another person; however, in the United States, hugging is a common way to greet and say goodbye to someone.

Deviant behavior, also known as deviant action, are acts that violate social norms or expectations. Social norms are unwritten rules that influence behavior and are established as acceptable or unacceptable by society or culture. What is considered a deviant behavior can change based on a person's culture. Behaviors that are considered acceptable in one culture, may not be acceptable in another. For example, in the United States, it is acceptable to give a thumbs up; however, giving the thumbs up in Russia is offensive. There are formal laws and rules, and informal social norms in each society that aim to prohibit people from committing deviant acts. Each society determines which behaviors are considered deviant and which behaviors are normal. Examples of deviant behavior in society may include drug addiction, underage drinking, and sex exploitation.

There are two types of deviant behavior, which are categorized based on the rules that the behavior violates. Formal deviant behavior refers to actions or behaviors that violate established laws. Examples of formal deviant behavior include breaking into a neighbor's house, stealing candy from a local store, domestic abuse, and committing murder. Informal deviant behavior refers to actions or behaviors that violate social norms. Examples of informal deviant behavior include wearing your underwear on the outside of your clothing, belching loudly in public, talking with food in the mouth, and showing up late to an appointment. Deviant behaviors can change overtime. For example, same sex marriages and being a single parent used to be considered deviant behaviors, but are now widely accepted.

Video Transcript

Deviant Acts: Definition and Examples

Jane and Molly were childhood friends who grew up in the same neighborhood. Like most teenage girls in their neighborhood, Jane and Molly had bubbly personalities, wore a lot of bright colors, and had optimistic personalities. During their junior year in high school, Jane began hanging with a group of friends who were known for breaking the rules. Jane became upset with a teacher and, at her new friends' encouragement, decided to start a small fire outside the teacher's house.

However the wind picked up, causing the fire to spread fast and destroy the entire house. Jane was eventually arrested and charged with arson. After Jane's arrest, Molly's personality changed. Molly dyed her hair jet black, dressed in all black clothing, and wore black lipstick. This made Molly stand out from the rest of her community and caused much tension between Molly and her parents. Both Molly's and Jane's behaviors are examples of deviant acts in society.

Deviant behaviors, or deviant acts in society refer to behaviors that violate social norms and expectations. Deviance can be something as small as dressing in gothic clothing or something as serious as burning someone's house down. Each society has formal laws and rules, and informal social norms in place that aim to deter people from committing deviant acts.

For example, there is a written law that states that arson is a punishable crime (formal law). Though there is not a written law, dressing in all black clothing and makeup violates the dress code that the members of Molly's neighborhood follow (informal social norm). So who determines what behaviors are deviant?

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