Power and Deviance

Hegemonic forces prescribe rules and laws, and proscribe certain conduct as deviant, and play a significant role in the promotion, revision, and maintenance of demonizing categories and labels. As a corollary, where power is more diffuse, deviance may still persist, yet is more likely to be defined positively, as with the work of certain geniuses, artists, musicians, scientists, or leaders. Where power approaches complete diffusion, deviance often comes to be seen as “diversity” and not as abnormal, immoral, or unlawful. The consolidation of power and the persistence of categories of deviance correspond in a manner that highlights the relevance of an approach that incorporates analyses of both power and deviance.