Update -- I found this (here:
http://academic.cuesta.edu/fha/1a/study%20guides/study%20guide%20for%20chapter%206%20conformity%20deviance%20and%20crime.htm):
Émile Durkheim
Deviance is necessary for society.
Deviance can contribute to the stability of society.
Deviance in an innovative force.
Deviance promotes boundary maintenance.
Functions of deviance
Deviants help us to understand what is considered “right” and “wrong.”
We try very hard to avoid the sanctions that result from doing “wrong.”
We try to avoid deviance so that we will not be treated as social outcasts.
Public punishments prevent us from behaving in a similar way.
This is the kind of stuff I'm looking for. Can anyone recommend any more resources that talk about deviants being necessary for and contributing to the stability of society? Thanks!