Society seeks to limit deviance through the use of sanctions that help maintain a system of social control. The three major sociological paradigms offer different explanations for the motivation behind deviance and crime.

Deviance is often relative, and perceptions of it can change quickly and unexpectedly Functionalists point out that deviance is a social necessity since it reinforces norms by reminding people of the consequences of violating them.

crime — a behavior that violates official law and is punishable through formal sanctions. deviance — a violation of contextual, cultural, or social norms. social control — the regulation and enforcement of norms. sanctions — the means of enforcing rules.