Behavior, beliefs, or characteristics that violate social norms and expectations within a particular society or group. It encompasses actions that are considered abnormal, unacceptable, or outside the range of typical social conduct.
From 'deviant' (Latin 'deviare', to turn from the road) plus '-ance'. 'Deviare' combines 'de-' (away from) and 'via' (road, way). The sociological concept developed in the 20th century as scholars recognized that what counts as deviant varies dramatically across cultures and historical periods.
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