A behavior that is nonconforming to societal expectations is commonly called?

The term that describes behavior that does not conform to societal expectations is "deviance." In sociology, deviance refers to actions, beliefs, or conditions that violate societal norms or values. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from minor infractions, such as dressing differently, to significant acts like criminal behavior.

Understanding deviance is crucial for analyzing how societies define acceptable behavior and how they respond to those who diverge from these norms. Societies often establish consequences for deviant behavior, which can include social stigma, legal penalties, or other forms of social control, highlighting the tension between individual behavior and collective expectations.

The other terms do not capture the essence of nonconformity accurately. "Conformity" refers to the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms, while "integration" typically pertains to the process of uniting or incorporating parts into a whole in a social context. "Compliance" refers to the act of following rules or orders, which is the opposite of being nonconforming. Thus, deviance is the most appropriate term for behavior that steps outside societal norms.