Sociology Chapter 6: Deviance and Crime

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic behavior of individuals who conform according to strain theory?

Rejecting societal norms

Innovating new techniques

Setting less ambitious goals (correct)

Dropping out of school

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'lowering sights' in strain theory?

Innovatively seeking success through illegal means

Abandoning social ambitions altogether

Adjusting goals to be more achievable (correct)

Aiming for higher educational qualifications

What does social control theory focus on regarding deviance?

The social structures that encourage conformity (correct)

The role of subcultures in creating deviance

The process of labeling individuals as deviant

The societal expectations for criminal behavior

Why do Canadians tend to overestimate the crime rate?

Media portrayal and focus on violent crime Signup and view all the answers

What does social constructionism suggest about deviance?

Deviance is defined by societal norms and varies over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism of the labelling theory?

It overemphasizes societal reaction to behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon contributes to the fear of crime in Canada despite decreasing crime rates?

The #MeToo movement and increased awareness of sexual violence Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Canadians report a rising crime rate, despite actual statistics showing a decrease?

2010 to 2017 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in how societies define deviance?

The power dynamics within the society Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of individuals who innovate, according to strain theory?

To achieve material success through alternative means Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can influence public perceptions of crime?

True-crime podcasts and series Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the reaction of individuals who reject and rebel in strain theory?

They challenge and redefine societal goals Signup and view all the answers

What societal reaction is often associated with the perception of increasing crime rates?

Moral panic and conservatism Signup and view all the answers

What trend regarding violent crime was revealed in the 2017 EKOS report on crime in Canada?

Violent crime was reported as rising Signup and view all the answers

What do recent changes in law and definitions of crime reflect about societal views?

Shifts in how society categorizes deviant acts Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Ecole Polytechnique massacre have on Canadian perceptions of crime?

It heightened awareness of gender-based violence and its implications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 6: Deviance and Crime

The session covered deviance and crime, focusing on various theories.
The instructor was Shayan Morshedi.
The course was offered at Memorial University of NL in Fall 2024.
The content was based on "Elements of Sociology," 6th edition, published by Oxford University Press in 2019.

Session Topics

The session covered criminal deviance, theories of criminal deviance, crime in Canada, domestic violence in the US.
Specific theories discussed included strain theory, subcultural theory, labeling theory, and social control theory.

Criminal Deviance

Not all deviant behavior is criminal.
Deviance is not equivalent to crime.
Criminology is the study of crime, including elements like causation, prevention, management, and statistical patterns.
Criminology focuses on sociological and psychological aspects of crime.
At Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dr. Kudla and Dr. Peters teach courses in sociology of criminal behavior.

Theories of Criminal Deviance

The presentation listed strain theory, subcultural theory, labeling theory, and social control theory as theories of criminal deviance.

Strain Theory

Developed by Robert Merton in 1938.
Explains why some individuals turn to crime.
Centers on the disconnect between culturally defined goals and limited access to the means to achieve those goals.
This is similar to the concept of anomie (Durkheim).
Individuals without resources to attain societal goals might resort to criminal deviancy.
The "American Dream" concept was presented as an example.
This theory analyzes an individual's response to their social surroundings (or social conditions).

Strain Theory - Responses

Conformity: Adhering to societal goals through acceptable means (e.g., education, hard work).
Innovation: Achieving goals through illegitimate means (e.g., crime, fraud).
Ritualism: Abandoning societal goals but maintaining conformity to the means (e.g., settling for a less-ambitious career path).
Retreatism: Rejecting both societal goals and means (e.g., drug addiction, homelessness).
Rebellion: Rejecting societal goals and means and replacing them with alternative ones (e.g., revolutionary activities).

Subcultural Theory

Developed by Albert Cohen in 1955.
Refined some aspects of Merton's strain theory.
Explores how lower-class individuals experience frustration from failing in middle-class institutions.
Explains how this can lead to the development of delinquent subcultures.
Values within these subcultures oppose mainstream societal beliefs.

Labeling Theory

Developed by Howard Becker.
Explains how certain behaviors become labeled as deviant.
Examines how social and societal reactions, along with labels, can affect individual behavior.
Deviant behaviors become internalized, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Developed by Travis Hirschi.
Critiques strain theory.
Argues that social bonding is a key factor that influences whether individuals engage in criminal acts.
Bonds include attachment to others, commitment to norms, involvement in social activities, and belief in societal values.
Individuals with strong bonds to society are less likely to commit crimes.

Crime in Canada

A 2015 EKOS poll revealed that many Canadians believe the crime rate is rising, and that violent crime is increasing.
However, data shows a decrease in the crime rate between 1997 and 2017.

Critical Lens (Discussion)

Factors impacting public perception of crime (e.g., media, entertainment, awareness campaigns).
Changes in law and definitions of crime.
The impact of events like the École Polytechnique massacre on public awareness.
The intersection of moral panic and crime.

Conclusion

The summary presented deviance as a social construct.
The discussion emphasized the dynamic nature of deviance and crime, as well as the contradictory perceptions of crime rates and public fear today.

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Description

Explore the concepts of deviance and crime in this quiz based on Chapter 6 of 'Elements of Sociology.' Delve into various theories of criminal deviance, including strain theory and labeling theory, while understanding the sociological and psychological aspects of crime. Test your knowledge on crime in Canada and domestic violence in the US.