Deviance is a term used in sociology to describe behavior that violates social norms and expectations of a particular society or social group. Deviance can range from minor violations such as traffic violations to major violations such as murder. Sociologists argue that deviance is context-dependent, meaning what is considered deviant depends on the situation and the society in which it occurs. Deviance is not a quality of the act itself, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an "offender"). There are two types of major deviant actions: mala in se and mala prohibita).

Some key points about deviance include:

• Deviance is relative to the place where it was committed or to the time the act took place).
• Deviance defines moral boundaries, and people learn right from wrong by defining people as deviant).
• Deviance affirms cultural values and norms).
• A serious form of deviance forces people to come together and react in the same way against it).
• Deviance pushes societys moral boundaries, which, in turn, leads to social change).
• Deviance is closely related to the concept of crime, which is law-breaking behavior.
• Deviance includes both criminal and non-criminal acts, but it is quite difficult to pin down what members of any society or groups actually regard as deviant behavior.
• Deviance can have several functions, including clarifying norms and increasing conformity, strengthening social bonds among the people reacting to the deviant, and leading to positive social change.

In summary, deviance refers to behavior that violates social norms and expectations of a particular society or social group. It is context-dependent and can range from minor to major violations. Deviance can have several functions, including clarifying norms, strengthening social bonds, and leading to positive social change.