Final answer:
The statement that Howard Becker defines deviance solely as actions that objectively violate social norms is FALSE. Deviance, as per Becker, is a broader concept that is relative and depends on societal reactions and the specific context of the action. The correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Howard Becker's definition of deviance is not solely limited to actions that objectively violate social norms, which makes the statement FALSE. Becker's view on deviance encompasses a broader context where deviant behavior is defined by social groups and is relative to the situation and the surrounding cultural norms.
For instance, an action considered deviant in one society may be seen as normal in another, or an act deemed inappropriate in a certain setting might be acceptable in a different context. As Becker emphasized, deviance is a label applied by society to certain behaviors, suggesting that deviance is not inherently characteristic of the act but is a result of the social response to it.
Therefore, whether an action is deviant can largely depend on contextual definitions, the situation, and people's reaction to the behavior. This subjective nature of deviance highlights the complex interaction between societal norms and individual actions.