This is a general typology of deviance. Although separate types of deviance...different ways we socially define Deviance...they also are linked together and in a sense, complete each other. Each by themselves have limitations or "problems". Much, if not most, of the deviance in our society can be identified by the individual type or their synthesis.
-majority/minority numerically
--departure from an average or mean
-----weight
-----poverty line
-PROBLEM: ANY minority is deviance/ANY majority is "normal"
----------the "what is" can be hidden by the numbers
----------what's really going on in terms of interaction
2. ABSOLUTIST DEVIANCE
-absolute values are constant standards at all times and in all situations
-values are always very clear and laid out in advance---always the same
-deviance = morally wrong
-----deviance is sin and or sickness (morally)
-----------PROBLEM
----------------full of "should be's" and oughts/ideals
----------------whose morals?
----------------source of those morals?
3. REACTIVIST DEVIANCE
-reactions of society are paramount here
-behavior or conditions LABELED as deviance
-----"deviance" is a process
-----"deviance" is NOT in the act itself...must be defined that way
----------PROBLEM
---------------doesn't DEFINE the deviance in the first place
---------------doesn't clarify BASIS FOR reactions
---------------being NOT discovered/not reacted to = no deviance
4. NORMATIVE DEVIANCE
-deviance is a violation of norms, folkways, mores
-sanctions used a lot
-Prescriptive norms = ways we ought to behave
-Proscriptive norms = ways we should not behave -what we should or should not do/think/say under given circumstances
-answers what BASIS for reactions
-----PROBLEM
----------doesn't identify WHOSE norm it is
----------depends on interests of groups (or individuals)
----------POWER variable...to establish and enforce norms and sanctions
1. PURE DEVIANCE
-----objective rule-breaking
2. SECRET DEVIANCE
-----hidden from others
-----if known, nothing done about it
-----victimless behaviors
-----consenting participants
3. FALSELY ACCUSED DEVIANCE
-----no objective rule-breaking
-----but perceived by others as deviance
-----alternative lifestyles
-----often confused with being "different"
-----no labeling, but seen to be annoying and/or undesirable
