Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following are considered the 5 major theories of deviance? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered the 5 major theories of deviance? (Select all that apply)
- Anomie/Strain (correct)
- Cultural Transmission (correct)
- Social Disorganization (correct)
- Labeling (correct)
- Conflict (correct)
What does Social Disorganization Theory of deviance explain?
What does Social Disorganization Theory of deviance explain?
It explains the decline in social organization and bonds in urban settings.
Who defined Anomie and how?
Who defined Anomie and how?
Durkheim defined Anomie as a breakdown of norms, typical in rapidly changing societies.
What did Merton describe about Anomie?
What did Merton describe about Anomie?
What are the factors that lead to Cultural Transmission? (Select all that apply)
What are the factors that lead to Cultural Transmission? (Select all that apply)
What is the key problem with Cultural Transmission Theory?
What is the key problem with Cultural Transmission Theory?
What does the Labeling Theory imply about deviance?
What does the Labeling Theory imply about deviance?
In the stages of Labeling Theory, the first stage is _____ deviance.
In the stages of Labeling Theory, the first stage is _____ deviance.
What does Conflict Theory highlight regarding social control?
What does Conflict Theory highlight regarding social control?
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Study Notes
Five Major Theories of Deviance
- Social Disorganization
- Anomie/Strain
- Cultural Transmission
- Labeling
- Conflict
Social Disorganization Theory
- Emerged from studies of urban immigrant experiences
- Highlights decline in social organization compared to rural areas
- Emphasizes lack of social attachment and community values
- Chicago School critiques this theory for inadequately explaining how new bonds form quickly
Anomie/Strain Theory - Durkheim
- Defines anomie as the breakdown of societal norms
- Common in societies undergoing rapid social changes
Anomie/Strain Theory - Merton
- Discusses anomie in stable societal contexts
- Defines it as the gap between societal goals and available means to achieve them
- Stresses structural barriers affecting individuals' access to achieving socially defined goals
Cultural Transmission Theory
- Deviant behavior is learned through differential association within social networks
- Individuals can be socialized into deviant subcultures, such as gangs
- Key factors for cultural transmission include:
- Intensity of contacts with deviant peers
- Age of exposure to deviant influences
- Frequency, duration, and number of interactions
- A key limitation is its failure to explain the origin of deviant behavior
Labeling Theory
- Posits that deviance is socially constructed through labeling
- Distinction exists between the initial act and subsequent labeling as deviant
- The label of deviance is conferred and can often overshadow the act itself
- Suggests that deviance is defined by societal reactions rather than intrinsic characteristics of the act
Stages in Labeling Theory
- Initial act, referred to as primary deviance
- Recognition and definition of the act as deviant and concerning
- Adoption of deviant identity as a primary role or status
Conflict Theory
- Introduces the concept of differential justice relating to disparate treatment of different social groups
- Notes that, despite general consensus on norms, powerful individuals often face less stringent consequences
- Highlights examples such as civil forfeiture to illustrate how social hierarchies impact justice experiences
- Explores the implications of differing treatment in the context of social stratification
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