Final answer:
Deviance is defined as a behavior that violates societal norms and is relative, as norms differ between societies and over time. Deviance is not necessarily bad and can lead to positive changes, and behaviors considered deviant can be learned through association.
Step-by-step explanation:
Norms and deviance are concepts deeply ingrained in social behavior and structure. Deviance is defined as a violation of societal, cultural, or contextual norms, which include everyday uncodified expectations like folkways, heavily moral mores, or established legal codes. The relativity of deviance across different societies and times indicates that deviance is also a relative concept, dependent on prevailing norms and values of the social group. For instance, behaviors considered deviant in one context may be normal in another, and what is deemed deviant can change over time, such as the evolving attitudes toward tattoos and marijuana use.
This relativity means that deviance is not inherently bad. It can indicate a mere nonconformity to norms without any negative connotation. In some cases, actions that were once classified as deviant could lead to positive social change. Moreover, differential association theory suggests that deviant behaviors are learned through social interactions with others. Therefore, understanding deviance requires insight into the dynamic norms of societies and subcultures, the socialization process, and the broader societal context.