Perversion is a form of human behavior which deviates from what is considered to be orthodox or normal. Although the term perversion can refer to a variety of forms of deviation, it is most often used to describe sexual behaviors that are considered particularly abnormal, repulsive or obsessive. Perversion differs from deviant behavior, in that the latter covers areas of behavior such as petty crime for which perversion would be too strong a term.
It is often considered derogatory , and, in psychological literature, the term paraphilia has been used as a replacement, [1] though this term is controversial, and deviation is sometimes used in its place. One view is that the concept of perversion is subjective, [1] and its application varies depending on the individual. Another view considers that perversion is a degradation of an objectively true morality. Originating in the s, a pervert was originally defined as "one who has forsaken a doctrine or system regarded as true, apostate.
The verb pervert is less narrow in reference than the related nouns, and can be used without any sexual connotations. The noun sometimes occurs in abbreviated slang form as "perv" and used as a verb meaning "to act like a pervert", and the adjective "pervy" also occurs. All are often, but not exclusively, used non-seriously. In economics , the term " perverse incentive " means a policy that results in an effect contrary to the policymakers' intention.
Freud 's didactic strategy in his Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality was to construct a bridge between the "perversions" and "normal" sexuality. Clinically exploring "a richly diversified collection of erotic endowments and inclinations: hermaphroditism , pedophilia , sodomy , fetishism , exhibitionism , sadism , masochism , coprophilia , necrophilia " among them, Freud concluded that "all humans are innately perverse".
Perverse sexuality is as a rule excellently centred: all its activities are directed to an aimβusually a single one; one component instinct has gained the upper hand In that respect there is no difference between perverse and normal sexuality other than the fact that their dominating component instincts and consequently their sexual aims are different.
