Deviant Behaviour: A Critical Analysis of Definitions and Theoretical Perspectives

Deviant behaviour represents a miscellaneous social phenomenon that has been studied through multiple disciplinary approaches, including sociology, psychology, and criminology. This article provides a broad analysis of definitional approaches and theoretical frameworks used to understand deviant behaviour. Through a systematic review of literature spanning classical to contemporary perspectives, this study examines how deviance is conceptualized across different theoretical paradigms, including functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactions, psychological, and criminological approaches. The analysis reveals that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act but rather a socially constructed label applied through processes of social interaction and power dynamics.  Significant theoretical developments include Merton's strain theory, Becker's  labeling theory, Sutherland's differential  association theory, and contemporary integrated models. Research gaps identified include limited cross-cultural comparative studies, insufficient attention to digital deviance, and the need for more comprehensive integrated theoretical frameworks. This article contributes to the scholarly discourse by synthesizing diverse theoretical perspectives and highlighting areas requiring further empirical investigation. The findings emphasize the importance of context-sensitive approaches to understanding deviance  and inform policy recommendations for more effective social intervention strategies.