According to the absolutist view, deviants are evil, degenerate, or sick persons who are predators and a threat to the rest of society. Moral entrepreneurs who crave power and bureaucratic interests seeking to expand their domain of control have exploited this view for their own interests. This theme has also had more serious consequences for larger numbers of people in that it has reinforced negative class, ethnic, and racial stereotypes by linking certain forms of deviance with certain groups in society. However, these links have been greatly exaggerated. In reaction to the absolutist outlook, a relativist approach has emerged which emphasizes conflicts among groups and the labeling process. From this perspective, defining deviance is a political process representing part of the power struggle between contending groups and coalitions. In addition, deviant groups have developed the theme of deviants as victims of an inferiorization process, of crude stereotypes, of deliberate slander, and of unjust discrimination. The clash between contending interests makes it difficult to achieve scientific objectivity. Evidence on these issues must be carefully evaluated. Twenty-six references are provided.