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Relativity of Deviance

Definitions of deviance depend on a number of factors:

1. WHEN did behavior (broadly conceived) happen

-----certain ages are for certain things

-----time factors...when norms change

2. WHERE did behavior occur

-----different norms/laws

-----locale (internal and cultural)

3. CONTEXT/SITUATION of the behavior

-----boxing ring vs parking lot

-----some behaviors permitted in certain situations and some not permitted

4. WHO engaged in the behavior

-----individual vs State

-----characteristics of the WHO

5. WHO OBSERVED the behavior

-----stranger

-----friends
-----------authorities vs general population (including friends)