Blog Post 5: Deviance as a Social Definition

Understanding deviance as a social definition is quite interesting. People engage in deviant behavior all across the globe, however, definitions as to what makes these acts deviant can extend from a targeted geographical pinpoint, to the beliefs of an entire religion or culture. When definitions can be interchangeable as so, it becomes increasingly difficult to govern successfully and by a standard set of rules. Individuals or groups of individuals may have varying interpretations as to what is considered deviant, posing a difficulty on the greater society who may have definitions relative to their society only. As Peter Conrad and Joseph W. Schneider stated, factors such as society, subculture, time, place, parties involved, or who was offended, all play a role in what is labeled as deviant. As expected, the more powerful groups in society reign superior to those beneath them, creating definitions of deviance that are intended to secure control.

The medicalization of deviance was intended to promote professionalism, such as doctors and medicinal drugs that could correct or control unwanted behaviors. For example, the crusade of physicians against abortion acted as the catalyst for a monopoly over medical services, and a promotion of abortion as deviant and immoral. More and more issues inherent to humans are now being medicalized and has promoted a culture of people who believe that doctors hold the golden grail, making them the ultimate controller of all health and sickness perceptions.