Final answer:
Deviance in sports and society refers to behaviors that do not conform to the norms of a specific social group or situation, with these norms varying across different cultures and time periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Deviance in Sports and Society
Deviance and crime are concepts that are relative to the norms of a society. What one culture or society considers deviant behavior may not be viewed the same way in another.
This is especially apparent when we compare behavior in different settings such as sports and the wider society.
For example, aggressive behavior that is accepted on a football field may be seen as deviant if displayed in a business meeting.
Moreover, societal norms evolve over time. Actions once considered deviant, such as tattoos, vegan lifestyles, or marijuana use, have become more widely accepted in many societies.
Conversely, behaviors that were once deemed acceptable can become deviant as social norms change, which is evident in changing dress codes or beliefs about gambling.
The perception of what constitutes deviant behavior often depends on the location, audience, and the context in which it occurs.
For instance, cheering loudly is appropriate at a sports event but would be considered rude and deviant at a solemn occasion like a funeral service.
Thus, deviance is not only about the action itself but also about where and how it takes place. It's vital to recognize that deviance is not inherently bad or punishable.
It simply means that a behavior does not conform to the expected norms of a particular social group or situation. Crime, however, is an act that violates the law and is subject to formal sanctions, such as fines or imprisonment.