Deviance is useful for a society because it performs a variety of functions for society. It helps to clarify norms, it helps to unify groups, it helps to diffuse tension, and it helps to promote social change. For example once women participation in public spaces in society was deviance, but Now its norm. Similarly, martin Luther king at his time was a deviant but he gained following and eventually, once the following caught speed. It became widely accepted. It also provides jobs to police, emergency services, the courts, lawyers, government agencies. Society is set up to profit from both success and failure.
Deviance is any behavior that violates social norms, and is usually of sufficient severity to warrant disapproval from the majority of society. Activities such as alcoholism, excessive gambling, being naked in public places, playing with fire, stealing, lying, refusing to bathe, purchasing the services of prostitutes, and cross‐dressing—to name only a few—as deviant.
