This paper examines deviant behavior as the violation of social norms within a community, encompassing criminal conduct, drug abuse, and gang membership. It analyzes theoretical explanations for deviance—including cognitive development theory, learning theory, and differential association theory—and illustrates how individuals can and do reform over time. The paper argues that rehabilitated individuals deserve societal acceptance on moral, practical, and legal grounds. It further contends that reformed persons often contribute positively to their communities and may help reduce further deviance. Legal sanctions against discrimination toward rehabilitated individuals are also discussed.
Every community maintains a set of social norms and values intended to regulate the behavior of its members. Some individuals, however, fail to conform to these established standards. The failure to conform to community norms is termed deviant behavior. In short, the violation of laws and norms that exist within a society constitutes deviant behavior. Common examples of deviant behavior include criminal conduct, drug abuse, and gang membership.
Deviant behaviors are not permanent. People who exhibit such behaviors often change their ways at some point in their lives, becoming significantly different members of society. Many simply grow tired of the lives they lead and choose to turn over a new leaf, adopting lifestyles entirely unlike those they previously lived.
Prisoners, for example, often emerge from the prison system as changed individuals. Having experienced incarceration, they have little desire to return and therefore strive to lead law-abiding lives, steering away from criminal activity as much as possible. This demonstrates that the rehabilitative process can be effective — once reformed, individuals are far less likely to exhibit deviant behavior again.
Drug abusers are frequently admitted to rehabilitation centers, where they receive guidance on how to remain drug-free. Upon leaving these facilities, many are fundamentally changed and find constructive alternatives to substance use. Gang members, too, may abandon their affiliations for various reasons. One of the most common catalysts is witnessing the death of a fellow gang member. Seeing a peer die as a result of gang-related activity can serve as a powerful wake-up call, prompting others to leave before suffering the same fate. These examples illustrate that deviant behavior is not a permanent condition; there comes a point when individuals choose to stop and begin conforming to community norms.
Several theoretical frameworks help explain why individuals engage in deviant behavior. According to cognitive development theory, deviant behavior results from the way individuals organize their thoughts around laws and norms. There are three levels of moral reasoning, and anyone who fails to progress through these levels may become stuck in their moral development, ultimately becoming a deviant.
A second explanation is learning theory, which holds that behavior is learned and maintained through observed consequences and rewards. A person who observes a friend stealing without being caught — and who sees that friend benefit from keeping the stolen item — may conclude that similar behavior will yield similar rewards. This perceived reinforcement can lead the observer to engage in the same conduct.
A third explanation is differential association theory, which emphasizes the influence of social interaction on behavior. People who associate with deviants or criminals are more likely to internalize the values of deviance. The longer, more frequent, and more intense the contact with a deviant environment, the greater the likelihood that an individual will adopt deviant behavior. Together, these three theories suggest that deviance is shaped by a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and social factors.
"Moral and practical case for reintegrating reformed individuals"
"Rehabilitated persons as positive community contributors"
"Legal protections and consequences for discrimination against reformed individuals"
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