What is culture deviance theory
Culture deviance theory is a sociological perspective that suggests that criminal behavior and deviance are a result of cultural norms and values within a society or subculture. According to this theory, individuals who engage in deviant behavior have been influenced by cultural factors that differ from mainstream societal norms.
This theory argues that deviance is not solely a result of personal characteristics or individual choices, but rather a response to a subculture's norms and values that may be in conflict with those of the dominant culture. Subcultures can have their own set of values, beliefs, and practices that may encourage behavior that is considered deviant or criminal by the larger society.
Culture deviance theory argues that individuals who are socialized into a subculture with deviant values are more likely to engage in criminal or deviant behavior. It suggests that crime and deviance are not universal or innate, but are shaped by cultural factors. In this perspective, crime and deviance are seen as a form of rebellion or resistance against the dominant culture's norms and values.
This theory has been influential in understanding the relationship between culture and crime, and has been used to explain variations in crime rates across different societies and subcultures. However, it has also been criticized for oversimplifying the complex motivations behind criminal behavior and for neglecting the role of individual agency in decision-making.