The cultural concept of “deviation” and its transformation in the age of globalisation

Abstract

The article discusses the reasons for change in the semantic content of the “deviation” concept in the 21^st century. The relevance of the presented material is substantiated by the deep socio-cultural transformations that are defined by the notion of “subcultural explosion”. It is this phenomenon that has radically altered the concepts of “norm” and “deviation” in modern society. The rise of minority cultures in the recent years has challenged the legitimacy of applying the definition of “deviant” in relation to certain patterns of behaviour, works of art, etc. In a “subcultural explosion” we are dealing with a gathering conflict between value systems. Each minority culture offers its own system of values and behaviours, positioning it as the only correct one. In addition, the era of globalisation stimulates the flow of migration, which, in turn, also takes the concept of “deviation” beyond the limits of scientific reflection due to the increasing mosaic-like diversity of the sociocultural space. Under these conditions, the concept of “norm” is also challenged. Based on the classification of deviant behaviour, we analyse each of its views in the context of modern culture, demonstrating the extreme degree of relativity of “deviation” as a notion. In this paper we consistently focus on such types of deviant behaviour as aggressive, delinquent, dependent and suicidal behaviour. Deviance is not merely a destructive element, but it is also an indicator of the need for change in the cultural component of society providing an alternative to social norms and expanding cultural boundaries. At present, the only type of behaviour that can be defined as deviant is that which contradicts the existing legislation. In other words, in modern culture the only “norms” that remain effective are legal norms. However, they should also be adjusted upon the demand of minority cultures until the very possibility of inequality or discrimination is excluded.