Deviance refers to rule-breaking behaviour of some kind which fails to conform to the norms and expectations of a particular society or social group. ... Criminal behaviour is usually deviant, but not all deviant behaviour is criminal.

What is considered deviant?

The word deviance connotes odd or unacceptable behavior, but in the sociological sense of the word, deviance is simply any violation of society's norms. Deviance can range from something minor, such as a traffic violation, to something major, such as murder.

What are examples of deviant acts?

Examples of formal deviance include robbery, theft, rape, murder, and assault. The second type of deviant behavior involves violations of informal social norms (norms that have not been codified into law) and is referred to as informal deviance.