Absenteeism is considered a deviant behavior because it involves the violation of established norms and expectations within a social or organizational context. In most workplaces or educational institutions, attendance is a fundamental requirement for maintaining productivity, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling responsibilities. When individuals consistently fail to show up or are frequently absent without a valid reason, they are deviating from the expected behavior and norms of attendance.
Absenteeism can disrupt the functioning of a group or organization, leading to decreased productivity, increased workload for others, missed deadlines, and reduced overall efficiency. It can also create a negative work or learning environment, as colleagues or classmates may feel burdened or frustrated by the absentee's lack of commitment or reliability.
Moreover, absenteeism can be seen as a breach of the social contract between an individual and their organization or educational institution. By not fulfilling their attendance obligations, individuals are not meeting the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a member of that particular social group. This deviation from the norm can be seen as a form of nonconformity or defiance, which is why absenteeism is considered a deviant behavior.