Sociology Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following characteristics of deviance state that deviance is socially constructed?

Deviance is absolute.

Deviance is relative, not absolute. (correct)

Deviance is an integral part of all societies. (correct)

The majority determines who and what is deviant. (correct)

What are the main theories explaining why individuals may turn to deviance?

Biological theories, psychological theories, and sociological theories.

What does conflict theory suggest about deviance?

Certain behaviors are defined as deviant by powerful economic interest groups.

What do order theorists believe about deviants?

Deviants have not internalized the norms and values of society. Signup and view all the answers

Define deviance.

Any behavior that does not conform to social expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the culture of poverty?

The belief that the poor have qualitatively different values and lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

Cultural deprivation implies that the culture of another group is ______________.

inferior Signup and view all the answers

What is recidivism?

Reinvolvement in crime. Signup and view all the answers

What does social Darwinism apply to?

The principle of survival of the fittest in human societies. Signup and view all the answers

What is labeling theory?

The concept that society defines what is illegal and assigns deviant status. Signup and view all the answers

Define racial profiling.

The police practice of disproportionately stopping racial/ethnic minorities for traffic violations. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary deviance?

The original illegal act preceding the successful application of the deviant label. Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary deviance?

Deviant behavior that is a consequence of the successful application of the deviant label. Signup and view all the answers

What is radical nonintervention?

The strategy of leaving juvenile delinquents alone to avoid labeling. Signup and view all the answers

Define corporate crime.

Illegal and/or socially harmful behaviors by corporate executives. Signup and view all the answers

What is political crime according to the conflict model?

Crime by the state. Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural transmission imply?

Anyone can be trained to adopt criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Explain differential association.

Subcultures lacking equal access to resources can lead to deviant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Deviance

Deviance is defined through social constructs influenced by cultural norms.
It is relative; behavior deemed deviant varies across societies and contexts.
The majority's perspective shapes the understanding of what is considered deviant.
All societies contain deviance as a fundamental element of social structure.
Individuals violating crucial norms often endure stigmatization.

The Individual as the Source of Deviance

Various theories explain deviance: biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives emphasize different origins of deviant behavior.

Conflict Theory

Conflict theorists argue that behaviors labeled as deviant are often established by powerful interest groups to protect their economic positions through laws and regulations.

Deviance from Order and Conflict Perspectives

Order theorists believe deviance arises from a failure to internalize societal norms, often due to conflicting values or deviant subcultures. They accept existing societal norms as standards for labeling.
Conflict theorists view individual deviance as symptomatic of societal failures, addressing broader issues like crime, poverty, addiction, and systemic inequality linked to wealth distribution, education, and governance.

Deviance

Any behavior that diverges from societal expectations is classified as deviant.

Culture of Poverty

This concept posits that the poor possess distinct values and lifestyles, which contribute to the perpetuation of poverty.

Cultural Deprivation

Implies an ethnocentric viewpoint that regards another group's culture as not just deficient but inferior.

Recidivism

Refers to the tendency of individuals to relapse into criminal behavior after having previously been incarcerated.

Applies the survival of the fittest principle to human societies, particularly regarding societal hierarchies and stratification.

Labeling Theory

Focuses on how society's definitions of legality and deviance shape individual identities and behaviors, often leading to an entrenched deviant status.

Racial Profiling

Describes the disproportionate targeting of racial and ethnic minorities by law enforcement for traffic stops and searches.

Primary Deviance

Refers to the initial act of rule-breaking before a deviant label is imposed.

Secondary Deviance

Occurs when the application of a deviant label leads to further deviant behavior.

Radical Nonintervention

A strategy suggested by Schur that advocates minimal interference with juvenile delinquents to avoid labeling them as criminals.

Corporate Crime

Encompasses unlawful or harmful actions taken by corporate leaders that align with corporate objectives.

Political Crime

Can signify either crimes directed against the state or criminal actions perpetrated by state authorities.

Cultural Transmission (Sutherland)

Posits that any individual can be conditioned to engage in criminal behaviors through societal influences.

Differential Association (Sutherland)

Suggests unequal resource access among subcultures leads to deviant behavior as marginalized individuals seek to obtain what they lack.

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Dive into key concepts from Chapter 7 of Sociology with these flashcards. Explore the characteristics of deviance and the various theories that explain individual deviance. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of social norms and stigmatization.