According to the absolutist approach to deviance, the overall worth of the individual is determined by:

The deviant act or trait

Deviant act in the society is the behavior that violates social norms and expectations. It consists of rules or norms being made, rules or norms being broken, and the expressions by individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions to the breaking of rules or norms. Each society has formal laws and rules, and informal social norms in place that aim to prevent people from committing deviant acts. This act can be something as small as dressing in gothic clothing, or something as serious as burning someone's car down.