Deviance

Who decides what is normal, what is unacceptable, and who deserves to be labelled deviant?

Throughout history, behaviours once condemned as dangerous or immoral have become widely accepted, while actions considered ordinary in one society remain prohibited in another.

Deviance explores the fascinating sociology of rule-breaking, social norms, and the power to define acceptable behaviour.

Drawing on influential sociological theories and historical examples, the book examines how societies construct categories of deviance, how institutions enforce boundaries, and how labels can transform individual identities and life opportunities.

From crime and punishment to cultural differences, moral panics, social stigma, and changing attitudes toward unconventional behaviour, it reveals the complex relationship between power, conformity, and social judgment.

An accessible and thought-provoking exploration of how societies define normality—and what happens to those who fall outside its boundaries.