Normalization of deviance

Normalization of deviance is a term that was introduced by American sociologist Diane Vaughan.

It’s used to describe the process which occurs when people routinely deviate from the correct or proper behavior without consequence to the point that it becomes a normal and accepted part of a group’s culture.

“Social normalization of deviance means that people within the organization become so much accustomed to a deviation that they don’t consider it as deviant, despite the fact that they far exceed their own rules for the elementary safety.”

—Diane Vaughan, 1996

References

• Wilcutt, Terry, and Hal Bell. “The Cost of Silence: Normalization of Deviance and Groupthink” NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, November 3, 2014.
• ConsultingNewsLine. “Interview Diane Vaughan” May 2008.