Deviance Midterm Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the conflict theory of deviance focus on?

Cultural norms

Social inequality and power (correct)

Social equality

Biological factors

What occurs in Merton's Strain Theory?

Deviance occurs when culturally approved goals cannot be achieved by culturally approved means.

What is labeling theory?

The belief that individuals subconsciously notice how others see or label them.

What does Structural Functionalism propose?

Each element of society serves a particular function to keep the entire system in equilibrium. Signup and view all the answers

What does Differential Opportunity Theory state?

An illegitimate opportunity structure exists which is unequally distributed across social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Feminist Theory?

A theoretical approach that looks at gender inequities in society. Signup and view all the answers

What causes crime according to Cultural Conflict Theory?

Conflicting cultural beliefs and ideas between social groups. Signup and view all the answers

What does Differential Association Theory argue?

Individuals learn deviant behavior from those close to them. Signup and view all the answers

What is control theory?

Compliance with social norms requires strong bonds between individuals and society. Signup and view all the answers

What is legitimated suppression?

Making it lawful to reduce or eliminate something. Signup and view all the answers

What influences perceptions of crime in communities?

Legitimated suppression and profiling based on demographics. Signup and view all the answers

What are reasons law enforcement engages in racial profiling?

Perceived criminality linked to demographics like age, class, and neighborhood. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the studied research methodology?

The sample was too small and not generalizable. Signup and view all the answers

What role does attachment play in explaining deviant behavior?

If attached to norms, individuals are less likely to be deviant. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conflict Theory of Deviance

Focuses on social inequality and power dynamics in defining deviance.
Wealthy individuals influence the labeling of deviant acts and the punishment for deviants.
Highlights disproportionate treatment of minorities in the criminal justice system.

Merton's Strain Theory

Suggests deviance arises when individuals cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means.

Labeling Theory

Proposes that individuals develop self-identity based on how they are labeled by others.
Emphasizes the impact of societal reactions on individual behavior over time.

Structural Functionalism

Presents a view that each societal element serves a function, maintaining equilibrium.
Asserts that moral training constrains individual behavior.

Differential Opportunity Theory

States that in addition to legitimate opportunities, there are illegitimate opportunities that are not equally available to all social classes.

Feminist Theory

Examines gender inequalities in society.
Analyzes how gender shapes social dynamics and structures.

Cultural Conflict Theory

Argues that crime results from conflicting cultural norms between different social groups.
Discusses the blending of subcultural norms with dominant societal values.

Differential Association Theory

Claims deviant behavior is learned from close relationships and immediate environments.
Highlights how models of deviance influence individual actions.

Control Theory

Suggests strong societal bonds prevent deviant behavior.
Focuses on understanding the factors that deter individuals from engaging in deviance.

Legitimized Suppression and Policing in Latino Neighborhoods

Demographics affect the level of police surveillance in areas.
Surveillance leads to feelings of unfair profiling and adverse treatment.
Media labeling of communities as gang-influenced escalates police misconduct and justifies profiling tactics.

Understanding Legitimated Suppression

Defined as making suppression lawful, impacting perceptions of gang-related crime.
Media portrayal of gangs justifies aggressive policing.
"Broken windows theory" promotes focusing on minor offenses to mitigate overall crime levels.

Racial Profiling and Policing Efficiency

Demographic factors contribute to perceptions of criminality in poor minority communities.
Racial profiling leads to community distrust of law enforcement, reducing collaboration in crime-solving efforts.

Research Methodology Evaluation

Critiques the study's focus on a small, homogeneous sample (Latino gangs), limiting generalizability to urban populations.
Researcher's background as a former gang member may bias the perspective on policing.

Role of Attachment and Internalization

Attachment to societal norms helps prevent deviant behavior.
Individuals with strong ties to societal expectations are likely to internalize these norms, reducing deviant actions.

Description

Prepare for your midterm on deviance with these flashcards that cover key theories such as conflict theory and Merton's Strain Theory. Understand how social inequality and cultural expectations shape deviant behavior and perceptions in society.