Introduction to Deviance
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What does the relativistic nature of deviance suggest?

  • Every form of behavior is always considered deviant.
  • Deviance is perceived uniformly across all cultures.
  • Cultural practices have no impact on the understanding of deviance.
  • Laws governing deviance vary significantly across different regions. (correct)

    • How can global perspectives enhance our understanding of deviance?

  • By reinforcing a singular notion of deviance applicable worldwide.
  • By simplifying complex behaviors into a single framework.
  • By comparing how various cultures interpret deviant behaviors. (correct)
  • By focusing only on the most extreme forms of deviance.

    • Why might certain individuals be labeled as deviant while others are not?

  • Recognition of deviance is purely a legal issue.
  • Cultural and situational factors influence perceptions of deviance. (correct)
  • Deviance is a universal concept with clear definitions.
  • All individuals are judged by the same standards.

    • Which scenario exemplifies the disparity in perceptions of deviance?

    <p>Public displays of affection are acceptable in some cultures but considered deviant in others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of viewing deviance through a global perspective?

    <p>It allows for a more nuanced interpretation of deviant behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the sociological imagination in understanding deviance?

    <p>It shows how social forces shape deviance and reactions to it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception can arise from pathologizing individuals in the context of deviance?

    <p>Social forces are considered irrelevant to deviant behavior. (B), Deviants are labeled as 'sick' or 'mentally ill.' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is theory important in the study of deviance?

    <p>It provides a systematic understanding of societal behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the study of deviance according to social constructionists?

    <p>Examining how norms are constructed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following critiques is associated with the critical definition of deviance?

    <p>Social systems create norms to maintain power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the scientific method contribute to research on deviance?

    <p>It minimizes bias and anecdotal reliance in research. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the critical definition of deviance, how is deviance often framed?

    <p>From a singular White male perspective (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In deductive research, where does the research question originate?

    <p>From an abstract concept or theoretical framework. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would occur in the absence of a coherent theory regarding deviance?

    <p>The understanding of deviance would be more entertaining. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized by C. Wright Mills in his concept of the Sociological Imagination?

    <p>Understanding societal conditions helps comprehend individual experiences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the research process according to the scientific method?

    <p>Formulate a research question. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the salad bar metaphor illustrate in relation to individualism?

    <p>The limitation of choices within a given social structure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following groups is often viewed as inherently deviant according to the critical definition of deviance?

    <p>People of color and the working poor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the issues with anecdotal evidence in the context of studying deviance?

    <p>It can be misleading and unrepresentative. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common belief held under individualism and personal responsibility philosophy?

    <p>Each person is solely responsible for their outcomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of deviance, what should the focus be, as suggested in the content?

    <p>On societal norms that create deviance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between normative conception and reactionist conception of deviance?

    <p>Normative conception assumes universally accepted norms, whereas reactionist conception is based on social interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which perspective is deviance viewed as determined by social interactions within society?

    <p>Social constructionist perspective (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the normative conception of deviance define the concept of norms?

    <p>As rules of behavior that are universally accepted by all individuals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are societal reactions to behaviors or conditions that are deemed deviant typically based on?

    <p>Interactions within the society that apply the label of deviance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements aligns with the positivist perspective on deviance?

    <p>Deviance can be understood primarily through observation and measurement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might public displays of nudity be celebrated in some contexts and condemned in others?

    <p>The location and audience's reaction determine societal norms regarding nudity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances is behavior considered deviant according to the social constructionist perspective?

    <p>When it is labeled as deviant by society based on collective interactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'deviance' imply in the context of societal norms?

    <p>Behaviors that are perceived as violating societal norms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary outcome of the theory and question lead in research?

    <p>Formation of testable hypotheses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In inductive research, what evolves from the data collected?

    <p>Theoretical frameworks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does theory contribute to the study of deviance according to the content provided?

    <p>It offers solutions to problems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical perspective is mentioned regarding the study of deviance?

    <p>It began with a focus on carnival sideshow nature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following laws from around the world prohibits a specific behavior in relation to currency?

    <p>Stepping on currency in Thailand (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was chewing gum banned in Singapore since 1992?

    <p>To maintain cleanliness and order (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is highlighted by articles on weird laws regarding the nature of deviance?

    <p>Deviance is relative and context-dependent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which flaw in the earlier methods used by deviance researchers is mentioned?

    <p>They lacked systematic research approaches (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the 'normative, or positivist conception of deviance' as explained in the text?

    <p>Deviance occurs when someone breaks a rule that is widely recognized by the majority of a group and is subject to social sanctions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between 'mores' and 'folkways' as described in the text?

    <p>Mores are associated with moral judgments, while folkways are everyday norms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of folkways?

    <p>They are enforced by official sanctions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If someone were to commit an act that violates a 'more', what is the likely reaction from others?

    <p>Strong disapproval. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best exemplifies the 'reactionist or relativist conception of deviance'?

    <p>A person who wears bright, unconventional clothing is considered deviant by some but not by others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key difference between the 'normative, or positivist conception of deviance' and the 'reactionist or relativist conception of deviance'?

    <p>The normative conception focuses on rule violations, while the reactionist conception focuses on social responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text mentions that laws are 'considered the strongest norm because [they] are backed by official sanctions or a formal response.' What does this statement imply about the nature of laws?

    <p>Laws are enforced more rigorously than other norms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the information provided, which of the following is an example of a behavior most likely to be considered a violation of a 'folkway'?

    <p>Talking loudly in a library. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Deviance

    • Deviance is the violation of norms
    • Norms are rules of behavior, conduct, and conditions held in common by a group of people.
    • Examples of Norms include; folkways, mores, and laws.
    • Folkways--everyday norms, generally not met with strong disapproval if violated.
    • Mores--moral norms, can evoke strong reactions if violated.
    • Laws--norms backed by official sanctions.
    • Different norms lead to different conceptions of deviance; normative conception, and relativist conception.
    • Normative conception assumes a universal set of norms.
    • Relativist conception assumes that the definition of deviance is constructed by interactions with those in society.
    • Positivist perspective: deterministic approach focusing on “factual” knowledge acquired through observation and measurement.
    • Social constructionist perspective assumes behaviors/conditions are not inherently deviant, but become so when a definition of deviance is applied.

    Conceptions of Deviance

    • Normative conception (also positivist):

      • Deviance occurs when someone violates a rule; recognized by the majority of the group. Viewed as "strange but harmless" or "criminal"

    • Relativist/Social Constructionist conception:

      • Behaviors or conditions are not inherently deviant
      • Deviance is a definition/label applied by interaction with others in society.

    • Critical conception:

      • Critiques the existing social system for creating norms.
      • The normative understanding of deviance is established by those in power to maintain/enhance their power.
      • Society defines deviance from a specific perspective, often favoring specific groups.

    The Sociological Imagination

    • Understanding societal, institutional, and historical conditions to comprehend individual experiences.
    • Acknowledges the importance of social structure in shaping individual behavior
    • The salad bar example: Individuals have agency but they are constrained by the available options (social structures) to develop their choices (individual behavior)
    • Pathologizing individuals: Attributing deviant behavior to individual flaws instead of acknowledging social forces that contribute to and shape it. Societal forces shape individuals just as individuals impact society.

    Theory and Its Relationship to Research

    • Theory: Helps systematically think about deviance and organize information.
    • Scientific method (deductive and inductive): Safeguards against researcher bias. Methods to gain accurate knowledge.
    • Deductive research derives questions from pre-existing frameworks then generates testable hypotheses/statements about the phenomenon being studied.
    • Inductive research begins with a research question and develops theory from the collected data.
    • Theory offers solutions to problems, like understanding the carnival sideshow element within deviance study, and addressing the broader interplay of power and social structures related to behavior.

    Global Perspectives on Deviance

    • Examining different countries' laws/practices reveal the relativistic nature of deviance.
    • Some behaviors considered deviant in one place might not be elsewhere.
    • Weird laws from different countries are highlighted as examples of cultural relativity in standards of behavior.

    Deviance and Disparity

    • Deviance/disparity:
    • Behaviors deemed deviant vary based on situations and perspectives. Individuals may or may not be identified as deviant. Individual actions can be influenced by disparities in society.

    Discussion Questions

    • The relationship between social structure/norms and the social matrix.
    • How the red pill perspective relates to imagination.
    • Reasons why someone might choose the blue pill.

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    Chapter 1: Introduction to Deviance PDF

    Description

    Explore the concept of deviance and its various definitions. This quiz covers the types of norms, including folkways, mores, and laws, and delves into the normative and relativist conceptions of deviance. Understand different perspectives such as positivist and social constructionist views.

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