Final answer:
Deviant behavior is actions that deviate from societal norms and can influence group dynamics, including the formation of out-groups and the experience of deindividuation. Social influences and societal impacts, such as the relativity of deviance, play an essential role in shaping behaviors and perceptions within groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of deviant behavior and its relationship with group formation plays a significant role in social studies, especially within sociology. Deviant behavior is an action that deviates from the social norms of a particular society or context. Whether an act is labeled as deviant can greatly depend on factors such as location, audience, and the specific individual committing the act. In some cases, what is considered deviant in one group may be totally acceptable in another, and vice versa. Sociologist Edwin Lemert explained that primary deviance does not result in long-term effects on the individual's self-image or interactions with others. For example, speeding may be seen as a deviant act, yet receiving a speeding ticket doesn't necessarily change one's self-concept or how others perceive them. However, when deviant behaviors become more serious or are repeated, they can lead to stigmatization and the formation of out-groups, where individuals are excluded or treated differently due to their deviation from the norm. The occurrence of deindividuation can also influence group dynamics by reducing accountability and self-awareness among individuals in a group setting, potentially leading to behaviors like rioting or mob mentality. This underscores the complexity of how group influences and social norms interplay in shaping behavior. Finally, understanding the relativity of deviance is essential when considering the societal impacts, including the perceptions and prosecutions of crime. Incidents like the Little Rock Nine, where Elizabeth Eckford faced harassment despite abiding by the law, highlight the role of group dynamics in defining what is considered acceptable or deviant behavior.