.

             Often the definition is vague and varies "depending on the culture, audience, and context," thus, behavior alone does not necessarily define a mental disorder (Deviance pp).

             Class distinction is also involved in labeling deviance (Deviance pp). For example, a poor woman who steals a roast from the grocery story is called a common criminal, while a wealthy woman who steals a roast is regarded as a kleptomaniac, thus, her deviant status defines a form of mental illness (Deviance pp). Moreover, a woman who is sexually promiscuous is likely to be labeled as a nymphomaniac or whore, while a man who is sexually promiscuous is usually regarded as a macho stud or swinger (Deviance pp). .

             Then there is the distinction between what is considered professional behavior and what is considered domestic behavior (Deviance pp). For example, a man is punctual and obedient during the week while at the office, however, he raises hell on Saturday afternoon while watching football games (Deviance pp). Although appearing contradictory, both behaviors are normal in their respective contexts, however, if a man took his Saturday's behavior to the office, he would be labeled as strange and most likely be fired, while on the other hand, if he behaved in a passive manner at a football game, he would be considered a social drag and most likely his friends would not want to watch football with him anymore (Deviance pp).

             Culture plays an important role in determining what is deviant behavior and what is not (Deviance pp). For example, in Western culture, abstinence for two years after marriage would not only be considered strange, but would be legal grounds for annulment, while in the Dani Tribe of New Guinea, it is considered normal and any sexual activity before two years is viewed as sexual deviance (Deviance pp). .

             The Western view of deviance has been strongly influenced by the religious explanations (Deviance pp).