Social norms serve as guidelines for appropriate behavior within a society, helping to maintain social order and stability.

Formal social norms are enforced by laws and regulations, such as the requirement to wear a seatbelt while driving.

Deviance refers to behavior that departs from social norms and expectations, challenging the established social order.

Primary deviance involves a single act of deviance that does not lead to a deviant identity or lifestyle.

Relative deviance refers to behavior that is considered deviant in one society or culture but not in another.

Mertonian strain theory suggests that deviance can result from the strain experienced when individuals are unable to achieve culturally valued goals through legitimate means.

Socialization is the process by which individuals learn the values, beliefs, and norms of their society, enabling them to conform to social expectations.

Labeling theory, also known as symbolic interactionism, suggests that deviance is a social construction that results from the way individuals are labeled and treated by others.

Social control refers to the mechanisms and processes by which society regulates and punishes deviant behavior.

Social control theory, particularly social bond theory, suggests that deviance is less likely to occur when individuals have strong social ties and commitments.

Acculturation refers to the process by which individuals gradually adopt the values, beliefs, and practices of a new culture while retaining some aspects of their original culture.

Cultural deviance refers to behavior that is considered deviant in one culture but not in another, such as eating insects in some cultures.

Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals are fully integrated into a new society, adopting its values, beliefs, and practices.

Differential association theory, also known as social learning theory, suggests that deviance is learned through interaction with others who engage in deviant behavior.

Socialization refers to the process by which individuals are socialized into a new culture, learning its values, beliefs, and practices.