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Deviance is defined as behavior that violates societal norms and expectations, which can range from minor infractions to serious crimes. What is considered deviant varies from culture to culture and from time to time. However, there are some behaviors that are considered deviant almost universally. This essay will argue that what is considered deviant is mostly the same behavior all around the world. The essay will provide examples of deviant behaviors that are universally considered unacceptable, including theft, murder, and incest.
The essay will also examine the cultural and social factors that contribute to the universal perception of deviant behavior.
Certain behaviors are considered deviant across cultures, such as murder, theft, and incest. Murder is universally condemned as a deviant behavior. All cultures have laws that prohibit murder and have punishments for those who commit it. Murder is not only considered deviant, but it is also considered immoral, and it is considered a violation of basic human rights. Theft is another behavior that is universally considered deviant.
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Almost all cultures have laws against theft, and people who commit theft are punished. Incest is another behavior that is considered deviant in all cultures. Incest refers to sexual relationships between close relatives, such as siblings or parents and children. Incest is universally condemned because it violates the cultural taboo against sexual relations with close relatives, and it is considered to be harmful to family relationships.
There are several cultural and social factors that contribute to the universal perception of deviant behavior. These include religion, morality, and socialization.
Religion has played a significant role in shaping the cultural norms and values that define deviant behavior. In many cultures, religion provides a moral code that prohibits certain behaviors, such as murder, theft, and incest. For example, in Christianity, one of the Ten Commandments is "Thou shalt not kill," which is a clear prohibition against murder. Religion also provides a justification for punishing those who violate the moral code. For example, in Islam, theft is punishable by cutting off the thief's hand. The severity of the punishment is intended to deter others from committing the same crime.
Morality is another cultural factor that contributes to the universal perception of deviant behavior. Morality refers to the set of values and principles that guide human behavior. Morality is shaped by culture, and it provides a framework for determining what is right and wrong. In many cultures, murder, theft, and incest are considered immoral because they violate the values and principles that underpin morality. For example, the value of human life is central to morality in many cultures, and murder is considered immoral because it violates this value. Similarly, the value of property is important in many cultures, and theft is considered immoral because it violates this value.
Socialization is another cultural factor that contributes to the universal perception of deviant behavior. Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn the norms and values of their culture. Socialization begins in childhood and continues throughout life. Children learn what behaviors are acceptable and what behaviors are not by observing the behavior of others and receiving feedback from parents, teachers, and other authority figures. As a result, socialization plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and beliefs of individuals towards deviant behavior. Children who grow up in cultures where murder, theft, and incest are universally condemned are more likely to view these behaviors as deviant when they become adults.
While there are certain behaviors that are universally considered deviant, there are also behaviors that are considered deviant in some cultures but not in others. For example, in Western cultures, homosexuality was considered deviant until recently, but it is now widely accepted as a normal variation of human sexuality.
In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is punishable by death, and in many African countries, homosexuality is illegal. However, in some cultures, homosexuality is celebrated, such as in the Netherlands, where same-sex marriage is legal, and the annual Gay Pride Parade is a major event.
Cultural deviance is another type of deviant behavior that varies across cultures. For example, in many cultures, wearing tattoos and piercings is considered deviant behavior and is associated with criminals and rebels. However, in some cultures, such as the Maori of New Zealand and the Yakuza of Japan, tattoos are a sign of strength and bravery.
In some cultures, eating insects is considered deviant behavior, while in others, it is a delicacy. For example, in Thailand, eating insects is a common practice and is considered a delicacy.
Moreover, in some cultures, committing suicide is considered deviant behavior, while in others, it is accepted as a form of honor. For example, in Japan, suicide is considered an honorable way to end one's life, and some Japanese people commit suicide to atone for their mistakes. In contrast, suicide is considered deviant behavior in many other cultures, and people who commit suicide are often stigmatized.
Furthermore, having a mental illness is also considered deviant behavior in many cultures. For example, in some cultures, mental illness is considered a curse or a sign of weakness, and people with mental illness are stigmatized and ostracized. In some African cultures, people with mental illness are believed to be possessed by evil spirits and are treated with exorcisms rather than medical treatment. However, in other cultures, such as Western cultures, mental illness is recognized as a medical condition and is treated with medication and therapy.
In conclusion, deviant behavior is behavior that deviates from the cultural norms, values, and expectations of a society or group. What is considered deviant behavior varies across cultures and can be classified into several types, including criminal deviance, sexual deviance, and cultural deviance. What is considered deviant behavior in one culture may be normal in another. Some behaviors that are considered deviant in one culture are even celebrated in another.
Deviant is mostly the same behavior all around the world. (2023, Apr 26). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/deviant-is-mostly-the-same-behavior-all-around-the-world-essay
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