What can be inferred about the link between social norms and deviance?

The link between social norms and deviance highlights that deviance is not a fixed concept but rather one that can fluctuate depending on societal perceptions and context. This interpretation reveals that what is considered deviant behavior can vary greatly across different cultures, time periods, and social settings. For instance, an action deemed deviant in one society may be completely acceptable in another or may even evolve over time within the same society as cultural attitudes shift.

This understanding emphasizes that social norms—rules or expectations governing behaviors—are shaped by collective beliefs, values, and the circumstances surrounding particular actions. Consequently, as these perceptions change, so too does the categorization of certain behaviors as deviant or acceptable. An example of this dynamic can be seen in attitudes toward smoking; once widely accepted, smoking has become stigmatized in many communities due to changing norms regarding health and wellness.

This perspective contrasts with the notion that social norms remain constant, that deviance is always visible, or that all behaviors can be classified as deviant, which fail to account for the complexities and variations in human behavior in relation to societal expectations.