This work will offer sociological theory about deviance, positing that deviance is part of larger social processes. Specifically, it will examine the illicit arts and antiquities trade, arguing that networks of legitimate status-role positions facilitate illegitimate behaviors. This theoretical framework is developed out of the notion that deviant actions may be the result of a social economy, and not the result of individual or psychological concerns. The work will use an exploratory methodology and attempt to explain or answer several research questions. This is tested by using qualitative, open-source data describing the context and means of participation in the status-role positions. The intent is to highlight specific cases and explain how the alternative theory of deviance may be more suitable to explain this type of phenomena.