Positive deviance: A viable concept?

Abstract

This paper questions the viability of the positive deviance concept, which has been endorsed recently by a number of authors. Much of the discussion about the viability of positive deviance hinges on whether the theorist adopts the normative or the reactive definition of deviance: If one follows the normative definition of deviance, positive deviance is a theoretically viable concept; if one follows the reactive definition, it is not. In the author's view, the proponents of the positive deviance concept are guilty of invoking irrelevant justifications, which, although worthwhile in themselves, are not legitimate reasons for adopting the positive deviance notion. In addition, positive deviance has been defined in a number of entirely different ways; the concept is sloppy and inconsistent. The author agrees with Sagarin's judgment (1985) that positive deviance is a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron.