Positive deviance: new parables for healthy communities

This chapter examines the positive deviance (PD) approach to solve complex social problems, asserting its value for scholars of religion and health. The PD approach rests on a premise of deep faith—that in every neighbourhood or community there exist individuals or groups whose uncommon behaviours enable them to find better solutions to problems than their peers despite facing higher challenges and access to lesser resources. To grasp the nuances of the PD approach, we employ five parables—simple stories that provide insights on what matters or counts. These parables, illustrated through the case study of how PD was applied in Vietnam to solve the problem of malnutrition, interrogate the existing hegemonic ways of thinking about health policies and programs, presenting new perspectives, language, and actionable guidance. We contend that the PD approach is moral and ethical, respectful, and inclusive, with curiosity at its core—tenets cherished by scholars of religion and faith.