Final answer:
Most of the sociological literature on deviance has traditionally focused on social norms and labeling, exploring how these norms are established and enforced, as well as how individuals are labeled as deviant by others in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sociological literature on deviance has traditionally focused on C) Social norms and labeling. Deviance refers to behaviors or actions that violate cultural, social, or contextual norms. Historically, sociologists have examined how these behaviors are influenced and shaped by the broader social context, including the systems of power and social controls that define what is considered deviant.
Sociological perspectives such as functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism have been pivotal in explaining the phenomenon of deviance. Functionalists see deviance as a necessary element of a functioning society, which reinforces norms by demonstrating the consequences of their violation. Symbolic interactionists explore how deviance is constructed through social interactions and how labels of deviance are applied to individuals by others, affecting their self-concept and society’s perception of them. Conflict theory emphasizes the role of social and economic inequalities, suggesting that deviance may arise from the struggles between those with power and those without it.