How is 'deviance' best described?

Deviance is best described as behavior that violates social norms or expectations. This definition highlights that deviance is not merely about breaking laws or rules, but rather about acting outside of what is typically accepted in a given society or community. Social norms encompass the unwritten rules and expectations regarding behavior, which can vary significantly across different cultures and social groups.

By defining deviance in this way, it acknowledges the role that societal context plays in determining what is considered deviant. For instance, behaviors that are seen as deviant in one culture might be perfectly acceptable in another. Thus, understanding deviance involves recognizing the fluctuating nature of social norms and the importance of cultural context in shaping perceptions of acceptable behavior.

The other options do not capture the essence of deviance. Describing it as behavior that adheres to social norms misconstrues the very nature of deviance. Likewise, referring to deviance as behavior that is universally accepted overlooks the variability in norms across different societies. Lastly, characterizing deviance as random and unpredictable fails to consider that deviant behaviors typically arise from the rejection or reinterpretation of specific social standards rather than being arbitrary actions.