Deviance is any behaviour that is not acceptable to society's norms. Who is it that decides what is the norm and what would be considered abnormal? As with anything, those who have the money have the power. Those individuals who live in upper or middle class situations have a lot to do with setting the social norms. From elementary school to the everyday lives of adults, someone is always trying to do as well as or be like someone else. That someone else could be a co-worker,

Sociological theories try and explain deviance as everyone trying to be the best and have the highest social standing, but since this is not possible for everyone deviant means are used to get closer to that goal of supremacy. This is referred to as the Anomie theory. When there are limited legitimate means of achieving social goals, some individuals will resort to the breaking of social norms and thus be considered deviant. Legitimate means of achieving such social goals as owning a top of the line car would be working extra hours or saving and investing to reach the financial resources necessary to purchase such a thing. Now if the means necessary were not available to a certain person and it was very important to this person, he may resort to criminal activity to get what he wants. Not everyone will try and reach the standards set out by society. Merton (1957) used the term retreatism to explain those individuals who back down from the expectations of society and live by their own means. Some homeless people who are on the street because of preference instead of misfortune would fit into this category. One major problem with the Anomie theory is that Merton assumed that everyone in society shares the same goals. I believe that everyone does share a common goal in society and that is to excel in what ever you do, thus I believe greatly in this theory.

It can be looked at that not only the society can judge what is deviant in each separate case. It must also be up to the individual to decide whether or not the act committed is deviant or not. Since different morals and standards are accepted in different cultures and areas of the world, it is impossible to set one set of standards for everyone. There must be understanding that not everyone will act the same way and consideration is needed before judgments are made too quick. Deviance in less serious and obvious cases is in the eyes of the beholder.

Introduction to Sociology, A Canadian Focus, Seventh Edition ;

a friend, a celebrity or even a family member. Usually when you are trying to be like someone else, you begin to accept their beliefs as a way of getting closer to that final goal of being them. This leads to a very large powerful group of people who share a lot of the same beliefs of what is normal and what is unacceptable in society. Economics of course plays a huge role in people wanting to be like others.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Atlantic Canada, Archie Bunker, Montreal Toronto, I'm Canadians, , Hells Angels, considered deviant, social norms, Teevan Hewitt, norms considered deviant, legitimate means achieving, means achieving social, archie bunker, theories try explain, try explain, theories try, norms considered, comport themselves, mental illness, social norms considered, theory due, obvious eyes,
Approximate Word count = 1769
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)