Deviance Exam 1 Review

What is the disadvantage of surveys?

people may not answer truthfully or accurately, and that they may not be able to accurately report on behaviors that are illegal or stigmatized

What is retreatism according to Merton?

rejecting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means and withdrawing from society.

What is rebellion according to Merton?

rejecting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means, but also actively working to replace them with new goals and means.

What is ritualism according to Merton?

rejecting the cultural goals while still conforming to the legitimate means.

What does Quinney say about the nature of deviance?

rooted in conflict theory, which emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping social structures and processes. Deviance is a social construction that reflects the interests and values of those in power.

From the __________________ perspective, deviant behavior is seen as a product of social norms, values, and expectations, and is influenced by factors such as race, class, gender, and sexuality.

social constructionist (relativist) perspective

According to Merton, what causes deviance across societies?

strain theory - deviance arises from a disjunction between cultural goals and access to the legitimate means available for achieving those goals.

What kind of questions does the constructionist/relativist ask? What are some examples?

tends to focus on understanding the social and cultural contexts that shape our perceptions of deviance How do different cultures define and respond to deviant behavior? How do social institutions (such as the media, law enforcement, or religion) shape our perceptions of deviance? How do power dynamics influence the labeling of individuals as deviant or non-deviant? How does deviance vary across time and space, and what factors influence these variations?

What does the social constructionist (relativist) perspective emphasize?

that what is considered deviant in one society may not be deviant in another, and that definitions of deviance are subject to change over time

What is belief in control theory?

the acceptance of conventional social norms and values. The more individuals believe in the legitimacy of social norms and values, the less likely they are to engage in deviant behavior.

true or false: deviance is not inherently good or bad, but rather depends on the social and cultural norms of a given society.

true

true or false: formal social control is often codified in laws and regulations, and is enforced through sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, or other legal penalties.

true

true or false: internal social control is learned through socialization and can include a sense of morality, empathy, and self-discipline.

true

true or false: most of the articles from the theory section of the book are written from an objectivist standpoint so they're talking about what causes people to engage in deviant acts

true

true or false: the absolutist perspective views deviance as a violation of universal moral or legal standards, which are objective and apply to all individuals, regardless of their social, cultural or historical backgrounds

true

What are the ABCs of deviance?

A - Attitudes: Attitudes refer to an individual's beliefs about the behavior in question. Attitudes can influence whether a person perceives a behavior as deviant or not. B - Behavior: Behavior refers to the actual act or behavior in question. This can be any behavior that deviates from social norms or expectations. C - Consequences: Consequences refer to the social reaction to the behavior. This can include sanctions, such as punishment or stigmatization, as well as positive reinforcement, such as rewards or praise.

What is internal social control?

A person's conscience - the norms, values, and beliefs that are internalized by individuals and guide their behavior.

Is Hendershot an absolutist or a relativist?

Absolutist she emphasizes the importance of shared moral values and norms in defining and regulating behavior. However, she also recognizes the role of social context and power relations in shaping these values and norms.

What are the four elements that bind people to society according to control theory?

Attachment Commitment Involvement Belief

What is conformist according to Heckert?

Conformist behavior follows social norms and is not deviant.

What are the 5 goals vs means Merton distinguishes between?

Conformity Innovation Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion

What are the 4 different types of relative norms?

Cultural Relativity Historical Relativity Situational Relativity Subjective Relativity

What kind of problems did she encounter?

Danger to her safety, ethical concerns about her role in the drug trade, and difficulty in maintaining her cover. She also faced challenges in gaining the trust of other drug dealers and in accessing higher levels of drug operations.

What is negative deviance?

Deviant behavior that goes against social norms and is met with negative social reactions, such as punishment or stigmatization.

What is objective strain?

Events or conditions that are objectively problematic, such as poverty, unemployment, or academic failure.

True or false: deviance and crime are the same thing

False Deviance refers to any behavior that goes against social norms or expectations, while crime refers to a specific type of deviant behavior that is prohibited by law and punishable by the criminal justice system.

What is formal deviance?

Formal deviance refers to behavior that is criminalized by law and is subject to formal sanctions such as imprisonment or fines.

According to Chesney-Lind, do traditional theories of deviance adequately explain deviant behavior among females as they explain it among males? Why or why not?

No. Traditional theories of deviance are largely based on male experiences and perspectives. She argues that women's deviance should be thought of differently because women's experiences and opportunities are often different from those of men.

Can deviance be positive? How?

Yes, positive deviance This is behavior that goes against social norms but is met with positive social reactions. It can involve challenging negative social norms, promoting positive change, and challenging stereotypes.

What is self fulfilling prophecy?

a self-fulfilling prophecy can occur when an individual is labeled as deviant and begins to engage in further deviant behavior as a result of that label. The label reinforces and perpetuates the behavior, creating a situation where the individual is seen as even more deviant than before.

What is conformity, according to Merton?

accepting both the cultural goals and the legitimate means for achieving those goals.

How do labels affect those who are labeled?

affect how those who are labeled perceive and react to social control mechanisms. For example, if an individual has been labeled as deviant, they may perceive the criminal justice system as unjust or biased against them, which can lead to further disengagement from mainstream society.

According to labeling theory, why does deviance exist?

because of the way society reacts to certain behaviors. If a behavior is labeled as deviant, it can create a cycle where the label reinforces and perpetuates the behavior, leading to the creation of a deviant subculture.

What are the 4 types of deviance according to Heckert?

conformist negative deviance formal deviance positive deviance

How would someone from the Objective perspective approach the study of some social problem like child abuse? What would they recommend as a solution?

defining child abuse as any intentional harm or neglect of a child, and identifying risk factors for child abuse such as parental substance abuse, mental health problems, or poverty. Might recommend increasing the penalties for child abuse and neglect, and implementing mandatory reporting laws for suspected cases of child abuse.

What is the social constructionist (relativist) perspective?

deviance is a socially constructed concept that varies across different cultures and historical periods

What is Hendershott's morality-based perspective on deviance?

emphasizes the importance of shared moral values and norms in defining and regulating deviance. She argues that deviance is not simply a matter of individual choice or behavior, but rather reflects broader social and cultural values and expectations.

How does Joel Best's approach include aspects of both labeling and conflict theory?

emphasizes the role of social construction and power dynamics in shaping perceptions of deviance, and how these perceptions can have significant consequences for those who are labeled as deviant. He argues that the process of labeling deviant behavior is often influenced by power differentials, with dominant groups using their power to label and control behavior that threatens their interests or values.

How would someone from the social constructionist perspective approach the study of some social problem like child abuse? What would they recommend as a solution?

examining the ways in which different cultures define and respond to child abuse, and recognizing the role of power dynamics in the labeling of certain families or individuals as abusive. Might recommend implementing programs that provide social support and resources to families at risk of abuse, and addressing the root causes of child abuse such as poverty and social isolation.

true or false: formal social control is enforced through peer pressure and social expectations.

false informal social control

true or false: internal social control operates through rewards and punishments, such as fines, imprisonment, or social stigma.

false external social control

True or false: labeling theorists are concerned more with explaining the cause of deviant behaviors than they are with explaining the construction and application of deviant labels

false more concerned with explaining the construction and application of deviant labels

true or false: absolutist perspectivists argue that the labeling of individuals as deviant is often a product of power dynamics and social control, rather than a reflection of objective moral or legal standards

false social constructionists argue this

True or false: According to Quinney, the definition of deviance is fixed and objective.

false the definition of deviance is not fixed or objective, but rather is constantly negotiated and contested through social interactions and struggles over power and resources

true or false: the social constructionist/relativist perspective believes that deviant behavior is seen as a threat to the stability of society and therefore, it should be punished or controlled by social institutions

false - the absolutist/objective perspective believes this

What is informal social control?

he ways in which people, through informal social interactions, enforce social norms and values. IE, gossip, ridicule, or shaming

What is innovation according to Merton? What are some examples?

individuals accept the cultural goals of success and wealth, but reject the legitimate means of achieving those goals. Instead, they turn to deviant means, such as crime or drug use, as a way of achieving success and wealth. Theft, fraud, drug dealing

What are experiments?

involve manipulating a variable in a controlled setting to measure its effect on deviant behavior

What is field research?

involves observing and interacting with people in their natural setting to gain an understanding of their behavior and experiences related to deviance

What is the advantage of field research?

it allows for a deep understanding of people's experiences and behaviors, and that it can uncover insights that surveys may miss

What is the disadvantage of field research?

it can be time-consuming and may not be generalizable to other settings or populations

According to Agnew, why do people commit deviance?

General Strain Theory - people commit deviant behavior as a response to various types of strains or stressors they experience in their lives. Arises from the failure to achieve positively valued goals, the loss of positively valued stimuli, or the presentation of negative stimuli.

What are claims makers?

Individuals, groups, or organizations who bring attention to a particular behavior or condition that they view as problematic and in need of action or intervention. Activists, interest groups, media outlets, etc

How does one's location in society (in terms of social class, race, gender, age, etc.) influence the quality and quantity of strain they might be subject to?

It can influence the quality and quantity of strain they experience. For instance, individuals from lower social classes may experience more objective strain due to their limited access to resources and opportunities, while those from higher social classes may experience more subjective strain due to the pressure to maintain their privileged position.

Would she have been able to learn the same things about dealing and smuggling operations if she had used a different method of research?

No. It allowed her to gain an in-depth understanding of the drug trade and the people involved in it. She was able to learn about the social dynamics, relationships, and cultural norms within drug operations that would have been difficult to capture through other research methods such as surveys or interviews.

What is cultural relativity?

Norms are relative to cultural context. What is considered normal or acceptable behavior in one culture may be considered deviant or unacceptable in another culture.

What is subjective relativity?

Norms can be relative to individual perspectives. What is considered normal or acceptable behavior for one person may be seen as deviant or unacceptable for another person.

What is situational relativity?

Norms can be relative to the situation. What is considered normal or acceptable behavior in one situation may be seen as deviant or unacceptable in another situation.

What is historical relativity?

Norms change over time. What is considered normal or acceptable behavior in one era may be seen as deviant or unacceptable in another era.

What are the 3 different types of strain Agnew identifies?

Objective strain Subjective strain Anticipated strain

How does the patriarchy help create conditions for female deviance?

Patriarchy creates social and economic inequalities that may lead women to engage in deviant behavior as a means of survival or resistance. For example, women may turn to prostitution, drug use, or theft as a way to support themselves and their families when they are unable to access legal employment due to discrimination or limited opportunities.

According to control theory, why do people commit deviance?

People commit deviance because they lack social control. All individuals have the potential to engage in deviant behavior, but most people are prevented from doing so because they are bonded to society in some way.

According to differential association, why do people commit deviance?

People learn deviant behavior through their social interactions with others. According to this theory, individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior if their social networks consist of people who engage in such behavior.

How is deviance defined according to Quinney?

Quinney defines deviance as behavior that violates the norms and values of the ruling class or dominant culture. He argues that deviance is not inherently problematic or harmful, but rather becomes deviant because it threatens the interests of those in power.

What are surveys?

Surveys involve asking a large group of people a set of standardized questions about their attitudes, behaviors, and experiences related to deviance.

What kind of challenges did researchers face when they conducted a national survey of sexual behavior?

Response bias - Some individuals may have been hesitant to participate in the survey or to disclose sensitive information Social desirability bias: Participants may have provided responses that were socially desirable or that they thought would be more acceptable to the researchers Recall bias: Participants may not have accurately recalled certain sexual behaviors or may have provided inaccurate information. Interpretation bias: Researchers may have interpreted the data in different ways, leading to potential differences in the findings.

What is Hendershott's criticism about the medicalization of deviance?

She argues that this approach fails to recognize the moral dimensions of deviance and reduces complex social problems to individual medical conditions. Leads to a focus on individual pathology rather than addressing the broader social and structural factors that contribute to deviant behavior.

How did Adler study drug dealers and smugglers?

She conducted a field study on drug dealers and smugglers by going undercover as a participant observer in the drug world. She worked as a street-level dealer and gained access to the inner workings of drug operations. Adler also conducted interviews with other drug dealers, smugglers, and law enforcement officials to supplement her observations and experiences.

What are some positive functions of negative deviance?

Social control: reinforces social norms and discourages behavior that is seen as harmful or disruptive to society. Social change: draws attention to social injustices and stimulating public debate. IE, protests leading to reform. Group cohesion: reinforces the norms and values of a particular social group. IE, hazing. Personal growth: leads to self awareness. IE, the recovering addict.

What are 3 factors that increase the chances that someone will be labeled as deviant?

Social power - those with less social power are more likely to be labeled as deviant. Interaction with social control agents - If an individual interacts frequently with social control agents, such as law enforcement or the criminal justice system, they are more likely to be labeled as deviant. Visibility of the behavior - Behaviors that are highly visible or noticeable, such as drug use or public disorder, are more likely to result in labeling than behaviors that are less visible.

How do Merton's distinction of goals vs. means relates to the concept of "disjunction"?

Society has a shared set of cultural goals that are desirable and widely pursued, such as success, wealth, and status. However, not all members of society have equal access to the legitimate means for achieving these goals. This creates a disjunction between the goals that individuals are encouraged to strive for and the means that are available to them for achieving those goals. When individuals are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means, they may turn to deviant means, such as crime or drug use, as a way of attaining those goals.

How might society be organized to produce or facilitate deviance? (3 possibilities)

Structural inequality - unequal access to resources or opportunities leads certain groups to be more likely to engage in deviant behavior as a means of survival or resistance Stigmatization - When behaviors or identities are stigmatized, marginalized groups may be more likely to engage in deviant behavior as a way of asserting their identity or challenging social norms. Labeling - When individuals are labeled as deviant by society, they may internalize that label and engage in further deviant behavior as a result.

What are the 3 different ways in which people study deviance (IE, the 3 different research methods)?

Surveys Field Research Experiments

Why should the causes of women's deviance be thought of differently?

The causes of women's deviance are often related to gendered experiences such as sexual abuse, objectification, and gendered expectations of behavior. The labeling of women as deviant is often based on gendered assumptions and stereotypes, which may further marginalize them and limit their opportunities for social and economic success.

Why are claims makers of interest to social constructionist studies of deviance?

They play a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of deviant labels and categories. They are often the ones who first draw attention to a particular behavior or condition, frame it as deviant, and advocate for measures to control or eliminate it. The way in which claims-makers frame a particular issue can shape how it is understood and responded to by the wider society.

Why are the official statistics on child abuse potentially misleading?

Underreporting Variations in reporting practices Bias in data collection - such as when law enforcement or child welfare agencies are more likely to investigate cases involving certain populations (e.g. low-income families, families of color, etc.). This can lead to overrepresentation of certain groups in official statistics. Definitions of child abuse Misclassification of cases

What is involvement in control theory?

the amount of time and energy individuals spend on conventional activities, such as work, school, or hobbies. The more time and energy individuals spend on these activities, the less time and energy they have to engage in deviant behavior.

What is attachment in control theory?

the emotional connections individuals have to others, such as family, friends, or coworkers. The stronger these connections are, the less likely individuals are to engage in deviant behavior.

What is anticipated strain?

the expectation or fear of future strains or negative events, such as being laid off from a job or the prospect of failing a test.

What is commitment in control theory?

the investments individuals have made in conventional society, such as educational or career goals. The more invested individuals are in conventional society, the less likely they are to engage in deviant behavior that could jeopardize those investments.

What are some examples of how labeling theory may explain why people engage in deviant behavior?

the labeling process itself can lead to deviant behavior. When someone is labeled as deviant, society begins to view them through that lens, and the individual may begin to internalize and accept the label as part of their identity. This can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. the application of deviant labels can be influenced by social factors like race, gender, and class. For example, a person from a lower socioeconomic background may be more likely to be labeled as deviant compared to someone from a more privileged background who engages in the same behavior.

What kind of questions does the objective/absolutist ask? What are some examples?

the objective (absolutist) perspective tends to focus on identifying and punishing deviant behavior. What are the universal moral or legal standards that define deviant behavior? How can we identify and measure deviant behavior objectively? What are the social consequences of deviant behavior? How can we prevent and control deviant behavior?

What is subjective strain?

the perception that an individual has of their circumstances, which may not necessarily align with objective reality. For example, an individual may feel that they are unfairly treated by others, despite the lack of objective evidence.

What is social control?

the process by which societies regulate and enforce conformity to their norms and values.

What is labeling theory?

the process of labeling individuals as deviant and the effects of those labels on the individual and their behavior. The social response to behavior that creates deviance, rather than the behavior itself.

What is external social control?

the social institutions, such as the legal system or other formal institutions of society, that regulate behavior and enforce conformity to social norms.

What is the medicalization of deviance?

the tendency to treat deviant behavior as a medical problem that can be diagnosed and treated through medical interventions

What is formal social control?

the ways in which societies enforce conformity to social norms and values through formal institutions, such as the legal system or law enforcement

What is the Objective (absolutist) perspective?

there are certain behaviors or actions that are inherently deviant, regardless of context or cultural norms

Why do labels matter?

they can affect how individuals see themselves and how others see them. When an individual is labeled as deviant, it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. The label can also affect how others see the individual and can lead to stigmatization, discrimination, and marginalization.

What is the advantage of surveys?

they can be conducted quickly and easily with a large sample size, allowing for generalizations to be made about the population

What is the advantage of experiments?

they can establish cause-and-effect relationships, and that they allow for the control of extraneous variables that could influence deviant behavior.

What is the disadvantage of experiments?

they may not be able to capture the complexity of real-world deviance, and that they may not be ethical or practical to conduct in certain situations

True or false: labeling theory comes out of the social constructionist camp

true