17 Questions
Sociologists disagree the most over the definition of:
Deviant behavior
Some sociologists argue that deviance involves more than rule violation because it also has the quality of provoking:
Disapproval
Contrary to those who advocate a broader definition of deviance, some sociologists believe that deviance should not be conceived as:
Negative or positive
According to some sociologists, 'positive deviance' is considered:
An oxymoron
Sociologists assume that deviance, regardless of being positive or negative, is real and endowed with a quality that distinguishes it from nondeviance. This assumption relates to the concept of:
Constructionist perspective
Who among the following would MOST LIKELY be considered deviant according to the broader definition mentioned in the text?
An individual with a mental disability
How do positivist sociologists view deviant behavior?
As an observable object
What do positivist sociologists try to emulate in their study of deviance?
Natural scientists' objectivity
How do positivist sociologists control their personal biases in studying deviance?
By not passing moral judgment
What is the main goal of positivist sociologists when analyzing ideas about deviant behavior?
Subjecting ideas to public test
What distinguishes human subjects from inanimate objects in the context of studying deviance?
The presence of feelings
What has driven modern positivist sociologists to strive for scientific objectivity in studying deviance?
To control personal biases
According to Francis T. Cullen in 'Rethinking Crime and Deviance Theory', what perspective is argued to be important for understanding deviance?
Constructionist perspective
In the book 'Deviance: Career of a Concept' by Joel Best, what is the main argument presented?
Deviance is no longer a thriving field of study in sociology.
Which book discusses the changing definitions of deviance, including transitions from religious to criminal to medical definitions?
Deviance and Medicalization: From Badness to Sickness
According to Mervyn F. Bendle in 'The death of the sociology of deviance?', what paradigm is emerging for the field of deviance?
Constructionist paradigm
Which author emphasizes the importance of societal and social-psychological conditions in transforming general deviant tendencies into specific forms of deviant behavior?
John O. Curra
Study Notes
Defining Deviance
- Sociologists disagree on the definition of deviance, with some arguing it involves more than just rule violation and includes provoking a reaction.
- Some argue deviance should not be conceived as a difference from the norm or a violation of rules.
Types of Deviance
- 'Positive deviance' is considered a type of deviance that is beneficial or valued by society.
Assumptions about Deviance
- Sociologists assume deviance, regardless of being positive or negative, is real and can be distinguished from nondeviance, relating to the concept of deviance as a social construct.
Positivist Sociologists and Deviance
- Positivist sociologists view deviant behavior as something that can be studied scientifically.
- They try to emulate natural scientists in their study of deviance, seeking to discover laws and patterns.
- To control personal biases, positivist sociologists use methods like data collection and statistical analysis.
- The main goal is to analyze ideas about deviant behavior objectively, without influencing the outcome.
- Human subjects are distinguished from inanimate objects in that they have thoughts, feelings, and intentions that affect behavior.
Theories and Perspectives on Deviance
- Francis T. Cullen argues that an interactionist perspective is important for understanding deviance in 'Rethinking Crime and Deviance Theory'.
- Joel Best's book 'Deviance: Career of a Concept' presents the argument that deviance is a social construct that has changed over time.
- The book that discusses changing definitions of deviance, including transitions from religious to criminal to medical definitions, is not specified.
- According to Mervyn F. Bendle, a new paradigm is emerging for the field of deviance, moving away from traditional approaches.
- The author who emphasizes societal and social-psychological conditions in transforming general deviant tendencies into specific forms of deviant behavior is not specified.
Explore the study of deviant behavior and differing definitions of deviance in sociology. Learn about the varying perspectives on what constitutes deviant behavior and how it is perceived in society.
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