Final answer:
Deviance refers to the violation of social norms and is not always linked to crime. Sociological perspectives suggest that social problems can arise when deviance challenges existing societal structures or indicates systemic issues. Over time, what is considered deviant can change and integrate into societal norms, potentially alleviating associated social problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
When exploring the concept of deviance in sociology, it is clear that it is not necessarily synonymous with crime. Deviance refers to a violation of established cultural, socialand norms, or codified law, which can range from minor social faux pas to serious criminal offences. In certain circumstances, deviant behavior can lead to social problems when it challenges the status quo or highlights systemic issues within a society.
From a sociological perspective, social problems often arise from broad social factors such as poverty and family disruption, which can lead to social disorganization. This in turn is associated with higher rates of crime and deviance. While Karl Marx's conflict theory emphasizes the impact of an unequal system on deviance, Émile Durkheim highlights the essential and potentially positive role of deviance in promoting social change.
It is important to recognize that the line between what constitutes deviance and crime can be ambiguous and often varies by society and over time. Not all deviant behaviors are criminal or negative, and sometimes society accepts and integrates formerly deviant behaviors, which then cease to be labeled as problems.