Questions and Answers
Explain how sociology addresses limitations of a biological or psychological approach to deviance.
Sociology views deviance as a product of society, noting that what is considered deviant varies by cultural norms, and that individuals become deviant as defined by society's labels.
What is the definition of deviance?
What is the definition of crime?
The violation of a society's formally enacted criminal law.
What is the definition of social control?
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What does the criminal justice system consist of?
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What are Structural-Functional theories related to deviance?
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What does labeling theory state?
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Define stigma.
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What is meant by the medicalization of deviance?
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What does social-conflict theory assert about deviance?
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Define white-collar crime.
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Define corporate crime.
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Define organized crime.
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What is a hate crime?
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Study Notes
Sociology and Deviance
- Deviance represents violations of societal norms, which can range from minor infractions to major crimes.
- Biological and psychological theories often focus on individual abnormalities, attributing deviant behavior to biological instincts or unsuccessful socialization.
- Sociological theories emphasize that deviance and conformity are products of societal definitions and cultural contexts.
- Deviance varies by culture, and social power plays a crucial role in defining what constitutes deviant behavior.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Deviance: Recognized violations of cultural norms.
- Crime: Violations of formally enacted criminal laws.
- Social Control: Society's efforts to regulate individual thoughts and behaviors.
- Criminal Justice System: Comprises organizations like police, courts, and correctional facilities that handle law violations.
Structural-Functional Theories
- Emile Durkheim posited that deviance serves a crucial role in society by affirming cultural norms, clarifying moral boundaries, fostering social cohesion, and promoting social change.
- Merton's strain theory links deviance to the societal goals and available means to achieve them.
- Cloward and Ohlin, Cohen, Miller, and Anderson analyzed deviant subcultures and their impact on societal behavior.
Symbolic-Interaction Theories
- Labeling Theory: Deviance is defined by societal reactions, rather than the act itself; stigmatization can lead to secondary deviance.
- The concept of medicalization frames deviance as a medical condition, shifting labels from moral judgments to health-oriented terms.
- Differential Association Theory: Highlights the influence of social interactions on deviant behavior, emphasizing encouragement or discouragement from peers.
- Control Theory: Suggests that stronger societal integration reduces likelihood of deviance due to awareness of consequences.
Additional Key Concepts
- Stigma: A negative label that alters a person's self-identity and social standing.
- Medicalization of Deviance: Converts moral or legal issues into medical diagnoses, affecting societal perceptions.
- Social-Conflict Theory: Influenced by Karl Marx, posits that laws protect the interests of powerful individuals, particularly in capitalist societies.
- White-Collar Crime: Offenses committed by individuals in high social positions during their professional roles, often resulting in less prosecution and civil adjudication.
- Corporate Crime: Illegal acts performed by corporations or individuals representing them, often going unpunished despite significant harm caused.
- Organized Crime: Refers to illegal enterprises that supply goods or services unlawfully.
- Hate Crimes: Crimes motivated by bias against specific groups, targeting vulnerable populations based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.
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Explore the intricacies of deviance in sociology with this set of flashcards. Understand how sociological perspectives effectively address the limitations posed by biological and psychological approaches. Perfect for reinforcing key concepts in your study of sociology.