Perfect — let’s now do the same structured Notion-compatible analysis for Deviance & Reference Group Theory:

Deviance & Reference Group Theory

Deviance – Basic Idea

• Deviance refers to behaviour that violates social norms, values, or expectations.
• It is socially relative → what is deviant in one group or context may be acceptable in another.
• Not always negative: deviance can lead to innovation, reform, and social change (Durkheim: crime is “normal” and necessary for boundary-setting).

Reference Group Theory – Connection to Deviance

• Reference groups define norms → When individuals do not conform, they are labelled deviant.
• Deviance is group-relative:
  • A behaviour may be deviant in one group but normative in another.
  • Example: Drinking alcohol may be deviant in a conservative religious group but accepted in urban youth circles.
• Dual reference groups:
  • Sometimes individuals follow one reference group’s norms and deviate from another’s.
  • E.g., Dalit assertion movements → deviating from dominant caste norms but conforming to their own community’s reference group.

Role of Reference Groups in Explaining Deviance

1. Source of Deviant Behaviour

• When people adopt comparative reference groups with different values, they may be labelled deviant by their membership group.
• Example: Rural youth emulating urban fashion may be seen as deviant at home.

2. Deviance as Resistance

• Individuals or sub-groups may consciously reject the norms of dominant reference groups.
• Example: Feminist and LGBTQ+ movements challenge traditional gender/sexuality norms.