Social Control and Deviance Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between deviance and social norms?

Deviance reinforces social norms.

Deviance is behavior that breaks social norms and provokes negative reactions. (correct)

Deviance is universally defined the same across all societies.

Deviation from social norms is always illegal.

How does formal social control differ from informal social control?

Formal social control applies to all types of behavior.

Formal social control is used for behaviors violating formal norms. (correct)

Both formal and informal social controls are identical in function.

Informal social control is enforced by laws.

What did Emile Durkheim believe about deviance?

All deviance leads to social chaos.

Deviance should be completely eliminated in all societies.

Deviance is always a negative aspect of society.

Deviance is a normal part of society and can foster social change. (correct)

According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, what can lead to deviance?

Failure to achieve the American dream through conventional means. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors would be categorized as retreatism?

Giving up on achieving financial success and engaging in substance abuse. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of deviance involves adapting to economic stress through illegal means?

Innovation Signup and view all the answers

Why might some behaviors be considered deviant in one society but acceptable in another?

Different societies have varying cultural and social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What does social disorganization refer to in the context of deviance?

The weakening of social bonds and conventional institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a goal of punishment in the criminal justice system?

Reformation Signup and view all the answers

What does differential association theory primarily focus on?

The influence of peers and social groups on behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to the goals of punishment, which option represents a method aimed at preventing future crimes?

Incapacitation Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the idea of differential association in criminal behavior?

Edwin Sutherland Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle of the social learning theory in relation to criminal behavior?

People learn criminal behavior through interactions and experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason individuals commit deviant or criminal acts according to the content?

Access to alternative actions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the insanity defense in the context provided?

It is utilized rarely, less than 1% of cases Signup and view all the answers

What does 'retroflexive reformation' suggest in the context of committing deviant acts?

A transformation of individual perspectives and skills Signup and view all the answers

How does the content characterize human nature regarding deviant behavior?

Human nature is inherently neutral Signup and view all the answers

What role does learning play in the commission of deviant acts?

It provides the necessary techniques and skills Signup and view all the answers

What might encourage an individual to engage in deviant behavior according to the content?

Perceived lack of alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the phrase 'individual encounters a problematic situation'?

Such encounters can lead to criminal decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What factor is emphasized as a prerequisite for committing a deviant act?

Having access to learned skills and techniques Signup and view all the answers

What does Differential Opportunity theory seek to explain?

People's choice of criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Control Theory, what factor decreases the likelihood of deviance?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of labeling theory?

Increased likelihood of becoming deviant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of Travis Hirschi's Social Control Theory?

Self-interest Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Involvement' refer to in Hirschi's Social Control Theory?

Participation in conventional activities Signup and view all the answers

What describes the Subculture of Violence theory?

Promotion of violent responses to insults Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement method collects crime data through self-reports from individuals?

Self-Report Survey Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the concept of Focal Concern as it relates to lower-class subcultures?

Walter Miller Signup and view all the answers

What does social control theory, as articulated by Travis Hirshi, suggest about individuals and deviance?

Individuals must learn definitions favorable to deviance. Signup and view all the answers

According to social control theory, what role do strong social bonds play?

They are essential for fostering conformity. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the techniques of neutralization identified by Sykes and Matza?

Denial of responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is aligned with the view of human nature in social control theory?

Human nature is inherently anti-social and self-serving. Signup and view all the answers

What does conformity in social control theory depend upon?

The extent to which anti-social impulses are controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'denial of injury'?

Claiming that the action did not harm anyone. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'appeal to higher loyalty' in techniques of neutralization?

Defending actions based on loyalty to friends or community. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding conformity and social bonds?

Stronger social bonds reduce deviance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true concerning the conditions for deviance?

Deviance is solely a product of individual choice. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT considered a technique of neutralization?

Rationalization of benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deviance is behavior that violates social norms and elicits negative reactions.
Some behaviors are so harmful that laws prohibit them. Crime is a common type of deviance.
Social control is how society prevents and punishes norm-violating behavior.
Informal social control addresses violations of informal norms; formal social control deals with violations of formal norms.
Emile Durkheim argued deviance is normal, increasing conformity, social bonding, and positive social change.
Deviance can be acceptable in one society but deviant in another, changing over time.
Social ecology suggests neighborhood characteristics influence crime rates. Social disorganization is the weakening of social bonds and societal institutions.
Strain theory (Robert Merton) posits deviance stems from the inability to achieve societal goals (like financial success) through acceptable means. Merton's typology outlines different adaptations to this strain.
Differential opportunity theory explains why people choose criminal activity.
Deviant subcultures often result from status frustration or the adoption of focal concerns.
Subculture of violence emphasizes violent responses to perceived insults.
Social control theory (Travis Hirschi) links deviance to weak bonds with societal institutions (family, school). Attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief are key components of this theory.
Differential association theory suggests deviance is learned through interaction with others.
Labeling theory posits that being labeled as deviant increases the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior.

Measurement of Crime

National Incident-Based Reporting System (FBI) tracks crime statistics.
Self-report surveys gather data from individuals about their criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice System

Direct social control is negative and formal (punishment).
Goals of punishment include deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, retribution, and restoration.
Insanity defense is a legal concept.
Resocialization, community justice, and various punishments (e.g. specific/general deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation) are examples of interventions within the criminal justice system.
Social bond strength relates to conformity.

Differential Association Theory

Social learning theory is a key concept.
Deviance is learned through interactions. Individuals assess situations and select actions based on learned behaviors and attitudes.
Interactions with others influence definitions of deviance. favorable techniques of neutralization affect deviance. (Appeal to higher loyalty; denial of injury; denial of victim; condemning the condemners; denial of responsibility).

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Description

Test your understanding of social control and the relativity of deviance. This quiz explores key theories and concepts, including the definitions of deviance, the impact of social norms, and how social ecology influences crime rates. Challenge yourself with questions based on Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton's theories.