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Social Deviance — Syllabus

Telangana Open School (TOSS) · Class 12 · Sociology

What Social Deviance covers in Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Sociology: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

44 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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4 Topics · Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Sociology · 2026-27

Topics in Social Deviance

1

Meaning and Characteristics of Deviance

  • Deviance is any behavior that goes against the established norms of a society or group.
  • It is not always a crime; some deviant acts are informal (like lying or gossiping), while others break formal laws.
  • Deviance is relative — what is considered deviant in one society or time period may be normal in another.
2

Types of Deviance

  • Deviance is divided into informal and formal types.
  • Informal deviance includes socially unacceptable behaviors that are not illegal (e.g., swearing in public, being late).
  • Formal deviance involves breaking codified laws (e.g., theft, assault, drug trafficking).
3

Causes of Deviance

  • Deviance arises from a mix of psychological, biological, and sociological factors.
  • Psychological causes include mental illness, trauma, or frustration from inequality.
  • Biological theories suggest genetics or brain structure may influence behavior, but these are largely rejected by sociologists.
4

Theories of Deviance

  • Functionalism: Deviance helps society by clarifying norms and promoting unity (Durkheim). Merton’s strain theory explains deviance as a result of blocked goals.
  • Conflict Theory: Deviance is shaped by power — the elite define what is deviant to protect their interests (Marx, C. Wright Mills).
  • Symbolic Interactionism: Deviance is learned through interaction; labeling someone deviant can push them into further deviance.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Deviance

Definition of DevianceCharacteristics of DevianceContinuum of Social AcceptabilityTypes of DevianceMerton's Five Modes of AdaptationCauses of DevianceTheories of DevianceImportance of Deviance

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Social Deviance for Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Sociology?
Key topics in Social Deviance include Meaning and Characteristics of Deviance, Types of Deviance, Causes of Deviance, Theories of Deviance. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Social Deviance for the Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 44 practice questions on Social Deviance. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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All Telangana Open School (TOSS) Class 12 Sociology Syllabus

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