Final answer:
Deviant behavior violates social norms but is not necessarily illegal, whereas delinquent behavior violates laws and is punishable by legal sanctions.The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between deviant behavior and delinquent behavior lies in the nature and perception of the act in society. Deviant behavior is an action that violates societal norms but is not necessarily against the law and therefore not punishable in a legal sense
It is context-dependent and may not always be seen in a negative light, with perceptions varying over time and by culture. For instance, some actions may be considered deviant in one setting but be perfectly acceptable in another.
On the other hand, delinquent behavior refers to acts that violate the law and are subject to legal sanctions. These behaviors are viewed by society as a threat to social order and are dealt with through the criminal justice system.
Delinquent acts often carry a more severe social stigma compared to deviance because they are crimes, which are framed by codified laws and are universally acknowledged as wrongful within a particular jurisdiction.
Therefore, the answer to the student's question is A) Severity of the act, as delinquent behavior involves acts that violate criminal law and carry legal penalties, differentiating them from general deviant behavior which need not involve illegality or formal punishment.The correct option is A.