The Decline of Deviance

The article argues that people are becoming less deviant, with data across society showing fewer unusual behaviors, less cultural variety and less dramatic change than in the past. It cites falling teen drinking, which is less than half the 1990s rate for high school students, along with declines in crime, teen pregnancy and cult formation. The author also points to Americans moving less since the mid-1980s, art and TV becoming more repetitive, and scientific writing standardizing, while noting that mass shootings and more unusual baby names run against the trend.