Deviant Behavior Defined
According to the Sociology Index, deviance is nonconformity to social norms. However, often deviance is simply conformity to the norms or standards of a subgroup or subculture rather than those of the dominant culture. Deviance is not inherent in any behavior or attitude but rather is a result of human interaction in particular normative situations. Deviant behavior usually evokes formal and informal punishment, restrictions, or other controls of society. These formal and informal controls constrain most people to conform to social norms. Despite the social sanctioning and controlling, however, we sometimes observe deviant behavior around us, with premarital sex being one. (Sociology Index).
What is Premarital Sex? Premarital sex is often referred to as fornication, meaning voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried persons or two persons not married to each other; according the Webster dictionary. Fornication can also be found in the bible and is considered a major sin.
Premarital Sex in America “Almost all Americans have sex before marrying, according to premarital sex research that shows such behavior is the norm in the U.S. and has been for the past 50 years. The new study shows that by age 20, 75% of Americans have had premarital sex. That number rises to 95% by age 44.Even among those who abstained from sex until 20 or beyond, 81% have had premarital sex by 44, the survey shows. Researchers say the findings question the feasibility of federally funded abstinence-only education programs. “Premarital sex is normal behavior for the vast majority of Americans, and has been for decades," says