According to sociological theories, what is a major factor that contributes to deviant behavior?

Sociological theories posit that societal norms play a crucial role in shaping behavior, including deviant behavior. These theories emphasize that individuals are influenced by the social environment, including the shared values, beliefs, and expectations of their community. When societal norms are weak or inconsistent, or when an individual feels disconnected from these norms, the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior increases.

For instance, if a community does not highly value law-abiding behavior, or if there is a significant gap between the norms of different groups within society, individuals may be more inclined to deviate from traditional standards. This perspective suggests that societal context, rather than solely individual psychological or biological factors, is key to understanding why people engage in deviant acts.

In contrast, while psychological trauma, biological inheritance, and cultural differences may influence behavior, they do not fundamentally address the role of societal norms and their impact on an individual's decision-making processes in relation to deviance.