Factors of the deviant behaviour in a legal conscious society

The article examines the ontology of factors that determine the emergence and development of deviant behaviour. Given the diversity of the concept of deviance, this social phenomenon is comprehensively studied. Based on the results of the study, an ontology of this phenomenon has been developed. Deviant behaviour is a type of social behaviour contrary to the established rules that exist in society. It is unacceptable for society and the State, violates their interests, norms of morality, ethics, law, etc. The author considers deviant behaviour in the context of unlawfulness of an act, i.e. in the context of legal norms violation existing in society and the State. Another component of the issue under study is legal consciousness, which plays an important role, since it is a factor of deterrence from unlawfulness. The opinions of the scholars are analysed, and a conclusion is made regarding the definition of the concept of “legal consciousness”. Legal consciousness is a form of social consciousness which consists in the ability of a person to understand the existence of legal norms, the need for their observance and implementation. The level of legal awareness determines the potential for a person to commit unlawful behaviour. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate level of legal awareness in society in order to reduce the number of cases of unlawful behaviour. This raises the question of identifying the factors that influence the emergence of deviant behaviour. Given that a person is a social being who interacts with other people, one of the factors influencing him or her is the social environment in which he or she lives (family, friends, colleagues, etc.). In addition, human consciousness is influenced by the information field, i.e. the media. Thus, society and the state's information policy are among the main factors influencing people. Human behaviour is formed depending on the information that influences it, and such information is formed on the basis of the effectiveness of compliance with the law by the authorities and their authority in society.