Deviance

            In todays modern day society we are constantly presented with many different forms of deviance.  Kai Erickson describes deviance as “a vagrant form of human activity, moving outside the more orderly currents of social life”.  Deviance can be used in society to introduce change.  It is a truly very affective tactic that has been used many different times by many different individuals and groups.  Great individuals and groups have brought about great changes in society through the use of deviance.  Conforming to society is almost apart of what makes us human.  Although simply being human has many flaws of which society has learned of and corrected in our history.  The changes wanted in the beginning generally are not supported by many others.  Others most likely won’t see it as a true issue that is in need of a solution.  And this is where deviance can come in.  Simply performing the act of deviance brings the issue into view of society.  Once the issue is observed by society support can grow.  Soon the original deviant act is no longer deviant.  Once it fits in with the norms of society laws and rules can be changed.

            Deviance was the primary tactic of revolutionist before the war.  They rebelled against the rules laws and norms.  Their actions were for the most part nonviolent.  However their deviance was often met by strong violence from the British.  This strong violence used against these protestors is what helped win over the public support for independence.  The correct use of deviance to bring about change in society should never involve violent actions.  Property should not be damaged, however many groups have done this in a manner that helped draw supporters for their cause.

Erickson, Kai. Notes on the sociology of deviance. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved from http://www.soc.umn.edu/~uggen/Erikson_SP_63.pdf