Studying Deviance

The study of deviance has a long story in the social and human sciences. From early times, scholars from various branches of science have sought to describe, explain and understand the nature, processes and development of deviance. Within the domains of sociology and criminology, a range of theories addressing the issue of deviance has been proposed. These theories focus on specific aspects of deviance and propose different frameworks for understanding or explaining deviant behavior. The concept of anomie refers to the confusion that follows from conflicting or non-existing norms. An important element in the anomie theory is the identification of certain typical ways by which individuals can adjust or adapt to the cultural goals on the one hand and the institutionalized means at the other. Deviance as a social phenomenon has been theorized and studied using various lenses and methodological approaches.