Final answer:
In sociology, an individual is considered deviant if they lack conformity to societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
From a sociologist's perspective, when an individual is considered deviant, they typically lack conformity to social norms. Deviance is understood as a violation of these norms and is relative to the cultural and social context. Sociologist Robert Merton's strain theory emphasizes that access to socially acceptable means to achieve goals also influences whether a person conforms or deviates. For example, differing access to resources can lead individuals to find alternative, often deviant, ways to achieve societal goals like financial success. Morality and empathy are also significant in understanding social behavior, but the concept of deviance is more directly linked to the act of non-conformity.