Sociology: Deviant Behavior and Definitions of Deviance
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Questions and Answers

Sociologists disagree the most over the definition of:

  • Deviant behavior (correct)
  • Creative behavior
  • Positive behavior
  • Normal behavior
  • Some sociologists argue that deviance involves more than rule violation because it also has the quality of provoking:

  • Disapproval (correct)
  • Respect
  • Indifference
  • Admiration
  • Contrary to those who advocate a broader definition of deviance, some sociologists believe that deviance should not be conceived as:

  • Valued by society
  • Negative or positive (correct)
  • Negative only
  • Disturbing only
  • According to some sociologists, 'positive deviance' is considered:

    <p>An oxymoron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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:

    <p>Constructionist perspective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who among the following would MOST LIKELY be considered deviant according to the broader definition mentioned in the text?

    <p>An individual with a mental disability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do positivist sociologists view deviant behavior?

    <p>As an observable object</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do positivist sociologists try to emulate in their study of deviance?

    <p>Natural scientists' objectivity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do positivist sociologists control their personal biases in studying deviance?

    <p>By not passing moral judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of positivist sociologists when analyzing ideas about deviant behavior?

    <p>Subjecting ideas to public test</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes human subjects from inanimate objects in the context of studying deviance?

    <p>The presence of feelings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has driven modern positivist sociologists to strive for scientific objectivity in studying deviance?

    <p>To control personal biases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Francis T. Cullen in 'Rethinking Crime and Deviance Theory', what perspective is argued to be important for understanding deviance?

    <p>Constructionist perspective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the book 'Deviance: Career of a Concept' by Joel Best, what is the main argument presented?

    <p>Deviance is no longer a thriving field of study in sociology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which book discusses the changing definitions of deviance, including transitions from religious to criminal to medical definitions?

    <p>Deviance and Medicalization: From Badness to Sickness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Mervyn F. Bendle in 'The death of the sociology of deviance?', what paradigm is emerging for the field of deviance?

    <p>Constructionist paradigm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which author emphasizes the importance of societal and social-psychological conditions in transforming general deviant tendencies into specific forms of deviant behavior?

    <p>John O. Curra</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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    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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