Sociology Chapter 8: Deviance Flashcards

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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?

The violation of a society's formally enacted criminal law

Attempts by society to regulate people's thoughts and behavior

The recognized violation of cultural norms (correct)

The organizations that respond to alleged violations of the law

What is the definition of crime?

The violation of a society's formally enacted criminal law.

What is the definition of social control?

Attempts by society to regulate people's thoughts and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does the criminal justice system consist of?

The organizations—police, courts, and prison officials—that respond to alleged violations of the law. Signup and view all the answers

What are Structural-Functional theories related to deviance?

They suggest deviance is a normal element of society that affirms cultural norms and brings about social change. Signup and view all the answers

What does labeling theory state?

Deviance and conformity result not from what individuals do but from how others respond to those actions. Signup and view all the answers

Define stigma.

A powerfully negative label that greatly changes a person's self-concept and social identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the medicalization of deviance?

The transformation of moral and legal deviance into a medical condition. Signup and view all the answers

What does social-conflict theory assert about deviance?

It holds that laws and norms operate to protect the interests of powerful members of society. Signup and view all the answers

Define white-collar crime.

Crime committed by people of high social position in the course of their occupations. Signup and view all the answers

Define corporate crime.

The illegal actions of a corporation or people acting on its behalf. Signup and view all the answers

Define organized crime.

A business supplying illegal goods or services. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hate crime?

A crime motivated by bias against a person based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

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.