Deviation and progress

Established norm contribute to stability, prolonged compliance unquestionably transforms them into tools of stagnation

Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible. —Frank Zappa

Societies consist of people sharing common origins, histories, cultures, and interactions. The predictability, productivity, and regulation of human interactions necessitate the creation and evolution of rules. These rules not only establish social order but also deter deviations from established norms through tools like sanctions and punishments. In this way, norms contribute to achieving predictability, stability, and order in a society.

While established norms undoubtedly contribute to stability, prolonged compliance unquestionably transforms them into tools of stagnation, ultimately leading to instability in the long run. This is because the absolute rigidity of norms hinders a society from adapting to changes caused by larger pull and push factors. Amidst such rigidity, the inherent human quest for novelty and exploration of the uncharted creates a gap between thoughts and reality. In essence, the inability of norms to incorporate dynamism results in a gap between stability and change.

The actions within this gap define and direct an individual’s or society’s fate. While this gap may symbolise a deviation from established norms, it is the potential space that, if carefully cultivated, can foster individual and collective well-being. As a movement toward a relatively more developed, advanced, or forward position, progress often demands a slight deviation, if not a radical break from conformity. It’s these deviations that alter the axis of one’s efforts in a way that produces different results from the initial outcomes. In other words, innovation and advancement often demand a slight departure from accepted norms and practices.

The cycle of deviations has been instrumental in evolving societies from primitive to post-modern ones. Had there been no deviations, societies wouldn’t have progressed to this day and been stuck in primitive thoughts and practices. Had humans fixated their lives on the illusion of certainty and its arbitrary norms, they wouldn’t have achieved the breadth and depth of understanding about their lives and environment. Therefore, treading on an uncharted path of uncertainty is far more productive than staying stuck in the certainty of stagnation.

However, the productive and acceptable form of deviation involves adding space and dynamism to laws in such a manner that slight and directed deviations do not harm society or amount to a crime. Instead, the same could contribute to progressive social evolution from the very onset. That is, keeping norms flexible and dynamic would yield progressive and compliant outcomes. Moreover, doing this would also ensure that the gap between the stability of norms and the quest for change is directed and productively cultivated. As the same efforts within the bounds of norms rarely bring different outcomes, it is constructive and calculated deviations that make social evolution productive. This can be achieved by promoting a culture of debate, responsible freedom of speech and thought, and critical approaches to academic practices.

Throughout human history, deviations from the norm have ignited groundbreaking progress. Scientific revolutions, technological breakthroughs, and societal transformations often trace their origins to individuals or groups daring to challenge the status quo. Therefore, societal progress is closely associated with the tendency to recognise inclusion and diversity. A society that exhibits rigidity in adhering to norms faces stagnation and ultimately deprives itself of the potential prospects of progress. But the ones that display flexibility have achieved unrivalled progress in socio-economic, political, educational, scientific, and mystical aspects. In other words, they set a precedent for others to follow by treading the otherwise untreated paths and discovering the otherwise undiscovered.

However, it needs to be noted that not all deviations lead to progress. Purposeless and rebellious deviations add to society’s chaos and costs. Only deviations that are rooted in critical thinking, a vision for a better future, and a profound understanding of social contexts lead to real progress in society.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2024.

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