Soc Lesson 17

Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental principle of symbolic interactionism?

Our actions are determined by our perception of the world

According to Differential Association Theory, what influences our attitudes and behaviors towards deviance and conformity?

The groups we associate with

Who is credited with developing the concept of 'differential association'?

Edwin Sutherland

What does the concept of 'differential association' describe?

The influence of groups on our behavior and attitudes towards deviance and conformity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against theories that have their roots in socio-biology or psychology?

They fail to account for the role of social interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by Sutherland to describe the signals we receive about conformity and deviation from the groups we associate with?

Excess of definitions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences whether an individual develops deviance or compliance?

Family Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process by which people are influenced by the labels they are given?

Labelling theory Signup and view all the answers

According to control theory, what are the two mechanisms that oppose human desires to deviate?

Internalised morality and external regulators Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the bonds formed through attachments, commitments, involvements, and beliefs?

Social bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a degradation ceremony, according to Harold Garfinkel?

To change a person's identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an imbalance in attitudes, according to the text?

Deviance and non-conformity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the effects of labeling individuals as deviants?

It excludes individuals from conforming groups Signup and view all the answers

What is strain theory?

A theory that explains how mainstream values produce deviance Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the assumptions of the functional perspective?

Deviation can benefit society by promoting change Signup and view all the answers

What is anomie, according to Robert Merton?

A lack of feeling of norm Signup and view all the answers

What is conformity, according to Merton's strain theory?

Attempting to achieve cultural objectives through socially accepted means Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of sociologists Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin?

Identifying the most pressing issue in industrialized societies Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe individuals who accept societal ideals but employ unethical methods to achieve them?

Innovators Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe individuals who reject both the institutionalized means and the cultural objectives?

Retreatists Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theorists, what is the primary function of the criminal justice system?

To maintain the dominance and privilege of the ruling class Signup and view all the answers

Why does the criminal justice system punish the working poor and the underclass severely?

To maintain social order and prevent rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why corporate CEOs are not prosecuted for their crimes?

They have the means to avoid prosecution Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of occasional prosecution of a member of the capitalist class?

To provide evidence of the fairness of the criminal justice system Signup and view all the answers

What do biological theories of crime and deviance suggest?

A person's biological characteristics contribute to their criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which theory proposes that unresolved conflicts in the unconscious mind lead to criminal behavior?

Psychoanalytic theory Signup and view all the answers

What has been linked to a higher likelihood of mental illnesses and criminal behavior in Pakistan?

High levels of poverty and social inequality Signup and view all the answers

What do proponents of atavism theory believe about criminals?

They are 'throwbacks' to earlier periods in human evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in the development of criminal behavior according to the social learning theory?

Watching and imitating others Signup and view all the answers

What has been connected to Pakistan's high rate of violent crime?

Genetic variables Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbolic Interactionism: Differential Association, Control Theory, Labeling Theory

Differential association theory: our experiences in various groups influence our behavior and attitude towards deviance and conformity.
Edwin Sutherland's theory: we learn to break or comply with social norms based on the groups we associate with, leading to an imbalance in our attitudes and behaviors.
Families play a significant role in shaping our attitudes and behaviors, with research showing that half of all prisoners in the US have a family member who has served time in prison.
Friends, neighborhoods, and subcultures also impact our behavior, with some neighborhoods fostering a violent subculture.
Control theory: two control mechanisms - internal (conscience, religious beliefs) and external (family, friends, police) - influence our behavior and deter us from deviance.
Internal controls are more effective when we are close to society, and socialization is essential for developing high levels of self-control.

Labeling Concepts

Labelling theory: reputations and labels influence our behavior and self-concept, leading us towards deviance or conformity.
Labels can open or close doors of opportunity, and individuals with deviant labels may be excluded from conforming groups.
The term "deviant" has an emotional connotation, implying condemnation and social exclusion.

The Functional Perspective: Can Deviance Really be Functional for Society?

Deviance can be functional for society, promoting change and reinforcing social norms.
However, deviance can also have negative consequences, such as social inequality and disorder.
Functionalists believe that crime is a normal part of society and can be a means to achieve social change.

The Functional Perspective: Strain Theory

Strain theory: mainstream values can produce deviance when individuals are unable to achieve their goals through institutionalized means.
Robert Merton's theory: four deviant responses - innovation (using illegal means to achieve goals), ritualism (giving up on goals but following rules), retreatism (rejecting both goals and means), and rebellion (rejecting both goals and means and seeking new ones).

The Conflict Perspective: Class Crime and the Criminal Justice System

Conflict theorists believe that social inequality and power are the main facets of society.
The law is a tool of oppression, used by the ruling class to maintain its dominance and privilege.
The criminal justice system punishes the working class and underclass severely, while corporate CEOs are rarely prosecuted for their crimes.

Theories of Crime and Deviance: Biological Theories

Biological theories suggest that a person's physical or genetic makeup contributes to criminal behavior.
Cesare Lombroso's atavism theory proposes that criminals are "throwbacks" to earlier periods in human evolution.

Theories of Crime and Deviance: Psychological Theories

Psychological theories propose that mental, emotional, or personality abnormalities lead to criminal behavior.
Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory suggests that unresolved conflicts in the unconscious mind lead to criminal behavior.
Social learning theory proposes that people learn illegal behavior by observing and imitating others.

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