Why is deviance considered a relative rather than absolute concept ____________?
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Answer: C. the definition of social norms varies by culture and subculture
Explanation
Deviance is considered relative because the definition of social norms varies widely across different cultures. Subcultural variations ensure that an act deemed acceptable in one group is forbidden in another. Cultural relativity proves that no universal behavioral standard exists to define absolute deviance everywhere. Social norms are cultural rules that dictate expected behavior in specific social situations and groups. Anthropological studies document vast differences in dietary, marital, and religious customs across world societies. Sociologists use the term deviance to describe departures from group norms rather than absolute moral failings.
Consuming alcohol is socially acceptable in Western nations but strictly prohibited in certain religious societies. Recognizing the relative nature of deviance prevents ethnocentric biases when studying foreign cultural practices. Immigrants often experience culture shock when norms from their homeland differ from host country expectations. Option A is incorrect because psychological abnormality terms do not explain the sociological relativity of norms. Option B is false since moralist terminology does not address the cultural variations in social rule definitions. Option D is overly extreme because members within a specific culture generally agree on basic social norms.
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