What are the factors that have contributed to this society's perspective of the deviant behavior? Why does this society consider the behavior to be deviant but other societies do not?
Which society?
Which deviant behavior?
Sorry here is the question in more detail...
Give an example of a human behavior that is considered deviant in one society but is not considered deviant in others. What are the factors that have contributed to this society's perspective of the deviant behavior? Why does this society consider the behavior to be deviant but other societies do not?
I am supposed to write a 200-300 word essay and here is my answer so far
Deviance is any behavior that violates cultural norms. Deviance is often divided into two types of deviant activities. The first, crime is the violation of formally enacted laws and is referred to as formal deviance. Examples of formal deviance would include: robbery, theft, , murder, and assault, just to name a few. The second type of deviant behavior refers to violations of informal social norms, norms that have not been codified into law, and is referred to as informal deviance. Examples of informal deviance might include: picking one's nose, belching loudly (in some cultures), or standing too close to another unnecessarily (again, in some cultures).
Now you need to choose one deviant behavior.
Some examples that come to mind:
In many Asian societies, children are not supposed to look adults in the eyes, because it's considered disrespectful. Yet in Western cultures, children are often told, "Look at me when a I speak to you."
In many Muslim countries, especially Saudi Arabia, women are expected to be completely covered when they appear in public.
Either of these behaviors should be fairly easy to research.
What are the factors that have contributed to this society's perspective of the deviant behavior?
Why does this society consider the behavior to be deviant but other societies do not?
To understand the factors contributing to this society's perspective on deviant behavior and why it may differ from other societies, we need to consider a few key points:
1. Cultural and social norms: Societies develop cultural and social norms that define what is considered acceptable behavior. Deviant behavior refers to actions or behaviors that deviate from these norms. Cultural norms vary between societies, so what may be considered deviant in one society might not be in another.
2. Historical context: Historical events and experiences shape societal perspectives on deviant behavior. For example, if a society has gone through periods of social unrest or experienced traumatic events, it might become more stringent in its definition of deviance as a means of maintaining stability.
3. Influence of religion and morality: Religious beliefs and moral codes can strongly influence a society's perspective on deviant behavior. These systems often have guidelines on appropriate behavior, and behavior outside those guidelines is seen as deviant. The level of religiosity and the dominant religious beliefs in a society can impact its perspective on deviance.
4. Power dynamics: The distribution of power in a society affects the definition and perception of deviant behavior. Those in power may label certain actions as deviant to maintain control or oppress certain social groups. Marginalized groups or behaviors that challenge existing power structures may be labeled deviant as a way to maintain the status quo.
5. Legal framework: Laws and policies reflect a society's perspective on deviance. Deviant behavior that is criminalized by the legal system is considered a societal problem, while behavior that is not criminalized may be seen differently. The legal framework of a society can contribute to the perception and treatment of deviance.
To understand why a behavior is considered deviant in one society but not in others, we need to consider the interplay of these factors. Different societies have unique cultural, historical, religious, and legal contexts that shape their perspectives on deviance. Societal attitudes towards deviance can evolve over time due to social change, advancements in knowledge, or shifts in power dynamics. Therefore, the reasons for deviant behavior being considered differently can be complex and multifaceted.