What concept describes society's reaction to behaviors considered deviant?

The concept that best describes society's reaction to behaviors considered deviant is social reaction. This term specifically refers to the ways in which societal institutions, groups, and individuals respond to actions or behaviors that fall outside of established norms. Social reaction can include a range of responses, from informal disapproval and stigmatization to formal sanctions such as legal penalties. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of deviance and how perceptions of unacceptable behavior can shape societal norms and collective attitudes.

Understanding social reaction is crucial in the study of crime and deviance because it highlights that deviance is not just about the behavior itself, but significantly about the social context and the implications of societal responses. Other concepts like social cohesion, social regulation, and social expectation focus on different aspects of societal functions and norms, but do not capture the specific emphasis on reactions to deviance.