Positive deviance is a term that is used to describe a violation of social norms as a positive action. Altruism, innovation, charisma, and innate characteristics are all considered to be types of positive deviance. While most examples of positive deviance carry one of these types, individuals and groups can embody more that one of these types. There is also an advanced type of positive deviance that Heckert makes mention of: the ex-deviant. The ex-deviant refers to someone that was previously thought of in a negative way. However, due to changes, they are no longer seen as deviant. This is done by the person removing himself or herself from the position that showed them to be deviant in the first place. According the Heckert, in theory, this
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Some scholars, such as Winslow and Wilkins, call those who engage in positive deviance as those who go past the norms and exceed them. According to these scholars, an increase in wealth and an excess showing of support for an individual or group would constitute as positive deviance. There are historical figures that she cites as examples for positive deviance, like Mother Theresa and Dr. Martin Luther King. However, some theorists such as Ewald and Roberts would not consider the actions of many controversial historical figures to be examples of positive deviance. To them positive deviance would involve someone staying true to the norms of society. However, this individual or group would abide by the norms too much and overextend them. As a result, the majority rule would label it as deviant, for going too far. Despite some variations, there is a consensus the main definition of positive deviance. Positive deviance is behavior that is evaluated by the people of society with superiority. Actions that go against the norms of society are more likely to be accepted when they are made by individuals and groups of higher status. This explains why the controversial actions of superstars and celebrities are accepted by the majority of society. This is one of many examples where culture and those in authority play a large, crucial role in how deviance is treated in
Some scholars, such as Winslow and Wilkins, call those who engage in positive deviance as those who go past the norms and exceed them. According to these scholars, an increase in wealth and an excess showing of support for an individual or group would constitute as positive deviance. There are historical figures that she cites as examples for positive deviance, like Mother Theresa and Dr. Martin Luther King. However, some theorists such as Ewald and Roberts would not consider the actions of many controversial historical figures to be examples of positive deviance. To them positive deviance would involve someone staying true to the norms of society. However, this individual or group would abide by the norms too much and overextend them. As a result, the majority rule would label it as deviant, for going too far. Despite some variations, there is a consensus the main definition of positive deviance. Positive deviance is behavior that is evaluated by the people of society with superiority. Actions that go against the norms of society are more likely to be accepted when they are made by individuals and groups of higher status. This explains why the controversial actions of superstars and celebrities are accepted by the majority of society. This is one of many examples where culture and those in authority play a large, crucial role in how deviance is treated in