Blackwell Reference Online

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Absolutist definitions of deviance distinguish conformity from nonconformity by reference to an invariant moral standard. Some external agent such as a religious, philosophical, scientific, or international authority may establish the moral standard. From an absolutist perspective, a given activity, like homosexual behavior, might be considered deviant because the majority in a society claim it violates a religious dictate or even because it appears to affront a declared conception of the natural order. The sociologically relevant aspect of an absolutist position is that it places the basis for moral judgment on a behavior or practice beyond the social and cultural context of the society or social situation in which the behavior or practice takes place. Therefore, the definitional standard for proclaiming an activity deviant has nothing to do with the norms of the particular society or culture in which the activity occurs. Absolutist definitions of deviance assume that a given activity, according to the particular higher authority, is deviant for all time in all places. In general, deviant behavior theorists and researchers do not subscribe to absolutist definitions of deviance. Rather, they more typically hold to definitional approaches that are normative or reactivist. The normative approach defines deviance according to the expressed or implied standards of the particular group ... log in or subscribe to read full text