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Journals / Karadeniz Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 18 Sayı: 34

A Controversial Concept in the Sociology of Deviance: Positive Deviance

Sapma Sosyolojisinde Tartışmalı Bir Kavram: Pozitif Sapma

Erol Bulut(ORDU ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-7154-4193
Murat Yüksel(ORDU ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-4448-4062
Pages
233–251
Publication Date
2026-06-25
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In this context, positive deviance is defined as actions that comply with the ideal moral rules under conditions and circumstances where idealized moral rules and behavioral norms differ and therefore receive negative and positive reactions.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:In this study, the concept of positive deviance, which has been the subject of debates in the post-1980 sociology of deviance literature, is discussed.
📊
Key Findings & Data:In this framework, the origins, first uses and changes of the concept of positive deviance in sociological studies are presented.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:In this context, positive deviance is defined as actions that comply with the ideal moral rules under conditions and circumstances where idealized moral rules and behavioral norms differ and therefore receive negative and positive reactions.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sapma · sapma sosyolojisi · pozitif sapma

Abstract

In this study, the concept of positive deviance, which has been the subject of debates in the post-1980 sociology of deviance literature, is discussed. In this framework, the origins, first uses and changes of the concept of positive deviance in sociological studies are presented. In addition, field studies on the concept of positive deviance and criticisms against the conceptualization are evaluated. When the proponents and critics of positive deviance are evaluated, it is thought that the concept of positive deviance can be a useful concept in expanding the classical thought focusing on negative actions in the sociology of deviance and in explaining social change. On the other hand, in order to clarify the concept of positive deviance, the concept of positive deviance has been redefined. In this context, positive deviance is defined as actions that comply with the ideal moral rules under conditions and circumstances where idealized moral rules and behavioral norms differ and therefore receive negative and positive reactions.

Özet

Çalışmada 1980 sonrası sapma sosyolojisi literatüründe tartışmalara konu olan pozitif sapma kavramı ele alınmaktadır. Bu çerçevede pozitif sapma kavramının sosyolojik çalışmalardaki kökenleri, ilk kullanımları ve değişimi ortaya konmaktadır. Ayrıca pozitif sapma kavramına ilişkin alan çalışmaları ve kavramsallaştırmaya yönelik eleştiriler değerlendirilmektedir. Pozitif sapma savunucuları ve eleştirileri değerlendirildiğinde pozitif sapma kavramının sapma sosyolojisindeki olumsuz eylemlere odaklanan klasik düşünceyi genişletmede ve toplumsal değişimi açıklamada faydalı bir kavram olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Diğer taraftan pozitif sapma kavramının netleştirilmesi adına pozitif sapma kavramı yeniden tanımlanmaya çalışılmıştır. Bu kapsamda pozitif sapma idealleştirilmiş ahlak kuralları ile davranış normlarının farklılaştığı şart ve koşullarda ideal ahlak kurallarına uyan ve bu sebeple negatif ve pozitif tepkiler alan eylemler olarak tanımlanmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Bulut, E., Yüksel, M. (2026). A Controversial Concept in the Sociology of Deviance: Positive Deviance. Karadeniz Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 18 Sayı: 34, 233–251. https://doi.org/10.38155/ksbd.1856452

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