Deviance

From Wikinfo

Deviance is unacceptable behavior which violates the social norms of society. Crime is a good instance of this, but any behavior however trivial may be defined as deviant. formal and informal social control attempt to prevent and minimize deviance both serious and trivial.

References

• Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Deviant behavior" http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deviant_behavior September 29, 2003