Question

Define deviance. Now research a culture you are unfamiliar with. Using your understanding of `deviance`, do any of the customs found in the culture you researched seem deviant to you? Why/why not? PLease cite references..

Answer 1

Deviance can be defined as any behaviour in a particular culture that is contrary to dominant norms of that particular culture.

Indian culture has a rich heritage and is known to include certain customs such as child marriage which are considered as cultural deviance when contrasted with Western culture. In this cultural practice girls of minor age that is below 18 years of age and as young as 7 years of age are married off to older men. This cultural practice leads to many other problems too such as sexual exploitation of minor girls, emotional problems to name a few. Also these minor girls are robbed off their childhood and often made to do household works and other duties that they are clearly not ready for.