Deviance and Social Control

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of deviance?

A socially accepted behavior.

An act of crime requiring punishment.

The violation of established norms. (correct)

The adherence to established norms.

How do deviance and crime differ?

Deviance is a more encompassing concept than crime. (correct)

All deviant acts are crimes.

Crime is less significant than deviance.

Crime is broader than deviance.

Which of the following statements is true regarding changing notions of deviance?

All behaviors that were once considered deviant are now accepted.

Norms regarding deviance remain constant across cultures.

Cultural perceptions of deviance can evolve over time. (correct)

Devience cannot change during significant societal events.

What is the primary purpose of social control?

To enforce norms and maintain social order. Signup and view all the answers

What are positive sanctions?

Rewards for conforming to norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a formal sanction?

A parking fine for illegal parking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates how deviance doesn't always align with punishment?

Wells Fargo CEO avoiding jail time for financial crimes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relativity of deviance?

Deviance is perceived differently based on context and the audience. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of functionalism regarding deviance?

Deviance is a key component that contributes to the stability of society. Signup and view all the answers

According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, what does 'innovation' mean?

Using deviant means to achieve socially accepted goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key insight of the social disorganization theory?

Strong community ties prevent crime. Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict theory explain deviance?

Deviance is created by laws that serve the interests of the powerful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of master status in relation to labeling theory?

A label that significantly alters a person's identity. Signup and view all the answers

What techniques of neutralization involves attributing blame to an external factor?

Denial of Responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What societal factors are commonly linked to higher crime rates in social disorganization theory?

Poverty and low educational attainment Signup and view all the answers

In the context of deviance, how is 'retreatism' defined in Merton's Strain Theory?

Rejecting both cultural goals and means. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sanctions involve formal actions to enforce societal norms?

Formal sanctions Signup and view all the answers

How can the development of social policies affect views on voting rights for felons?

They can help restore voting rights regardless of past offenses. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'differential association' refer to in the context of deviance?

Deviance is learned through interactions with others. Signup and view all the answers

What shift in societal attitude regarding marijuana usage has occurred over time?

Marijuana use has been recognized for both medical and recreational purposes in many states. Signup and view all the answers

What role does punishment play in the functionalist view of deviance?

It serves to reinforce societal norms and strengthen social order. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an informal sanction?

A disapproving look from a peer Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Strain Theory suggest when individuals lack legitimate means?

Individuals will likely engage in criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains that crime is more likely in communities with weak social ties?

Social Disorganization Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does the Control Theory propose regarding social bonds?

Strong social bonds deter deviant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

According to Conflict Theory, what is the primary reason for deviance?

Inequalities in wealth and power. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of hate crimes?

Crimes motivated by characteristics such as race or religion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems provides detailed data on each crime?

National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of judges in the U.S. criminal justice system?

To deliver penalties and manage public prisons. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'racial profiling' refer to in policing?

Disproportionate policing based on race. Signup and view all the answers

Victimless crimes are characterized by which of the following?

Crimes that do not explicitly harm another person. Signup and view all the answers

What key concept of the Power Elite Theory suggests about deviance?

Wealthy individuals rarely face penalties for deviance. Signup and view all the answers

The Uniform Crime Reports are published by which organization?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue impacting the reporting of hate crimes?

Underreporting due to fear of retribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the challenges individuals face during reentry after incarceration?

Facing strict conditions and social stigma. Signup and view all the answers

What effect have 'three strikes' laws had on incarceration rates?

Facilitated mass incarceration of repeat offenders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deviance is a violation of established norms, ranging from minor social faux pas to major crimes.
Deviance is a broader concept than crime; all crimes are deviant, but not all deviant behavior is criminal.
The definition of deviance is relative and changes over time and across cultures.
Social control refers to the regulation and enforcement of norms to maintain social order.
Sanctions are the means of enforcing social control, including both positive (rewards) and negative (punishments).
Formal sanctions are official recognitions of norm violations, while informal sanctions are less formalized reactions within social interactions.

Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance and Crime

Functionalism: Views deviance as a necessary part of society, challenging norms and contributing to social change.
- Émile Durkheim argued that deviance reinforces societal norms and strengthens social order.
- Robert Merton's Strain Theory proposes that deviance occurs when there is a gap between societal goals and legitimate means to achieve them, leading to five responses: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
Social Disorganization Theory: Crime is more likely in communities with weak social ties and low social control, often linked to poverty and social disruption.
Conflict Theory: Deviance is seen as a result of social inequalities, where the powerful control the rules and benefit from the system's structure.
- Karl Marx argued that the bourgeoisie use power to maintain their dominance, leading to inequality and deviance.
- C. Wright Mills' Power Elite Theory suggests a small group of powerful individuals influence what is considered deviant and enjoy greater impunity.
Symbolic Interactionism: Deviance is a product of how behaviors are labeled and interpreted.
- Edwin Lemert's Labeling Theory distinguishes primary deviance (minor violations) from secondary deviance (deviance resulting from being labeled).
- Techniques of Neutralization (Sykes and Matza) explain how people justify deviant behavior.
- Differential Association Theory (Edwin Sutherland) proposes that deviance is learned through interactions with others.
- Control Theory (Travis Hirschi) argues that strong social bonds prevent deviance due to attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

Crime and the Law

Crimes are acts that violate official laws and are punishable by formal sanctions.
Crimes can be categorized into violent crimes, nonviolent crimes, corporate crimes, and victimless crimes.
Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
Crime statistics are collected through the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).
The US Criminal Justice System comprises police, courts, and the corrections system.
The police enforce laws, courts decide legal matters, and the corrections system oversees individuals convicted of crimes.
Policing has faced scrutiny regarding racial profiling, mass incarceration, and police shootings, leading to public discussions about social justice and reform.
The US has a high incarceration rate, with trends in imprisonment and alternative sentencing methods like probation and parole.
Reentry for individuals leaving prison or parole can be challenging, facing strict conditions and social stigma.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of deviance and social control, emphasizing how deviance varies across cultures and time. Understand the role of social norms and the function of sanctions, both formal and informal, in maintaining social order. Dive into key theoretical perspectives on deviance, including Functionalism and Strain Theory.