In order to decide whether a specific act is deviant, it is necessary to know:
A) exactly what primary socializers taught the deviant.
B) how many people commit the same act.
C) the social context of the act.
D) how state law defined deviance.
E) the duration of the act.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The social context of an act is necessary to determine whether it is considered deviant or not. Deviance is not solely based on the act itself but also on the social norms and expectations of a particular culture or society. Knowing the social context allows for an understanding of whether the act violates these norms and expectations or not. The other choices do not necessarily provide enough information to determine deviance. The social context of the act is crucial in determining whether an act is deviant or not. What is considered deviant in one context may not be in another. For example, drinking alcohol may be considered deviant behavior in a Muslim country, but not in a Western country where it is legal and socially accepted. Knowing the social norms and values in a particular context is therefore pivotal in determining deviance.

In Order to Decide Whether a Specific Act Is Deviant