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Defining Deviancy
Jordan Israel
GOVT376: Resilient Nations
Liberty University
Professor Connelly
October 6, 2025
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Abstract
In this essay, I discuss Deviance in cultural contexts using terminology from Moynihan as
well as Krauthammer's deviant up/deviant down frameworks. And it examines how
these relate to moral and social erosion in America, from an objective moral compass
based on biblical principles and course material. We discuss cultural shifts, family
structure changes and societal norms - how to maintain ethical standards in the face of
shifting values.
Keywords: Deviances, Morality, Culture, and Biblical Principles.
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Determining Deviancy
Deviancy is deviation from what a culture usually accepts. In modern usage, it includes
moral and cultural questions as well as criminal acts. Defining deviance down was coined
by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan in 1993, before recognizing society's acceptance of
certain behaviors. Conversely, Charles Krauthammer defined "deviance" as when
everyday behaviors become deviant because of higher moral expectations. Such
frameworks constitute a paradox: Some standards wear away and some get stronger.
This discussion applies those principles to contemporary American society - public
morality, sexual ethics, family structure - guided by biblical principles and course
material (Dees, 2014).
Defining Deviancy Down
With deviant behaviour becoming more normalized, society lowers its standards for
avoiding stigma, Moynihan says. They include unweBirths and recreational drug use. If
dysfunction becomes established, turning the trend around is difficult, Moynihan (1993)
says. A course text at Liberty University (Dees, 2014) defines cultural resilience as
preserving boundaries when popular opinion changes. The opioid crisis demonstrates
this: Widespread addiction has been given sympathy instead of condemnation -
deviance has been reframed as a public health problem instead of a moral failure.
Compassion is good but redefining moral norms undermines accountability.
Defining Deviancy Up
Krauthammer (1993) noted higher standards that make once acceptable behaviors
unacceptable. For instance, debates about tolerance now label conventional views of
gender or marriage as intolerant. Liberty's curriculum warns that such shifts marginalize
foundational values as they are masked as progress (Dees, 2014). Having faith in biblical
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marriage may be discriminatory - a contradiction between free expression and changing
norms. Krauthammer says moral discourse is complex: Some rules loosen and some
become ideologically rigid.
Moral Erosion in America's Family Structure
Moral erosion in America's family structure illustrates moral erosion. Increased
singleparent households and the link to poverty are recognized by Lichter and Thiede
(2025). Pew Research (2023) reports that marriage rates have declined while
unconventional arrangements and cohabitation are more frequent. These tendencies
support Moynihan's thesis: Norms change because actions change. Still, correlation is
not destiny. Society can respond through policy and cultural renewal. Liberty's text
recommends civic virtue and also moral training as safeguards against decline (Dees,
2014). Without such anchors, erosion damages public trust and private life.
Biblical Integration
The Bible opposes cultural relativism. And Isaiah warns against moral perversion: They
who call evil good and goodness evil (The King James Bible, 1769). Romans 12:2 tells
believers not to become like the world but to renew their minds. Micah 6:8 calls for just
and merciful living, and humility. Those principles provide an objective compass against
changing norms. The call to biblical morality, the Pontifical Biblical Commission (2008),
notes, is a call to holiness in love. So these principles permit reasonable extremes in
defining deviance without losing accountability.
Conclusion
Whether the deviation is downward or upward reveals greater cultural currents.
Krauthammer sees opposite but related trends: Hyper-moralization and dissent are
normalized. Both challenge pluralistic society. The framework of Liberty University
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promotes moral quality based on transcendent truths. Existing conversations about
family, justice, and identity are about cultural engagement with compassion and
conviction - not nostalgia versus relativism. Resisting deviancy is returning to principles
that help support human development.
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References
Dees, R. F. (2014). Resilient Nations. Liberty University, Helm School of Government.
Krauthammer, C. (1993). Defining deviancy up. Bradley Lecture Series, American
Enterprise Institute.
Lichter, D. T., & Thiede, B. C. (2025). The family revolution: Changing family structure and
poverty in the United States. In International Handbook of the Demography of Poverty
and Inequality. Springer.
Moynihan, D. P. (1993). Defining deviancy down. The American Scholar.
Pontifical Biblical Commission. (2008). The Bible and morality: Biblical roots of Christian
conduct. Vatican.
King James Bible. (1769/2017). Authorized King James Version. (Original work published
1611).
Pew Research Center. (2023). Marriage and cohabitation trends in the United States.
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