Sociology Chapter 6

What is one of the principal reasons people turn to deviant behavior in the United States, according to the structural strain theory of deviance as articulated by Robert Merton?

The goal of success is shared by a majority of people, but not everyone has equal means for achieving that goal.

Which theory argues that punishments for rule violators are unequally distributed, with those near the top of society subject to more lenient rules and sanctions than those at the bottom?

Conflict Theory

Which theory suggests that crimes committed by the upper classes are typically treated more leniently than crimes committed by the lower classes because laws represent the interests of those in power?

Conflict Theory

A man tries to find unconventional and even illegal ways of making money. Into what category does this fit, according to Robert Merton's typology?

Innovation

Robert K. Merton's typology of deviance outlines the strain that people experience as they attempt to access cultural goals through legitimate, institutionalized means. Which component of strain theory illustrates gangsters and con-artists?

Innovation

Which theorists proposed social control theory, which suggests that individuals with stronger bonds are LESS likely to commit crime?

Travis Hirschi

When a politician is caught cheating on his spouse, there are usually serious consequences,and sometimes the politician is forced to resign from his office when his constituents loudly express their unhappiness with such behavior. According to Emile Durkheim, what function does this reaction serve? a. It helps to deter politicians from cheating in the future. b. It helps to clarify moral boundaries, reinforcing the idea that marital infidelity is wrong. c. The anger and public outcry helps to rehabilitate the offender so he will not give in to the temptation to cheat in the future. d. It helps to protect the family members of the politician, who need scrutiny and media coverage in order to move on.

b. It helps to clarify moral boundaries, reinforcing the idea that marital infidelity is wrong.

Which of the following would sociologists consider the best definition of deviance? a. actions that are harmful to society b. violations of social norms c. criminal activities d. immoral or unethical behaviors

b. violations of social norms

Samantha believes that corporations are not punished enough for polluting the planet, manufacturing unsafe products, and manipulating prices while, at the same time, homeless people are punished too much for crimes such as stealing food. She believes we should all have access to basic needs like food regardless of wealth. Samantha has taken a ________ perspective to explain the way deviance is viewed in society. a. structural functionalist b. symbolic interactionist c. conflict theory d. retreatist

c. conflict theory

Which of the following describes how deviance can be explained from the functionalist perspective? a. Deviance breaks down social cohesion and leads to revolution. b. Deviance makes it easier for the upper class to control the poor. c. Deviance helps the upper class maintain its power and influence in society. d. Deviance clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms.

d. Deviance clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms.

John is the CEO of a large bank who is charged with fraud. John pays $13 billion to settle the case, and he does not go to jail. Andy is arrested for stealing money out of a parked car. Andy spends a month in jail while waiting for his trial since he is unable to pay his bail or bond. John and Andy exemplify the perspective of which of the following theorists: a. functionalists like Émile Durkheim b. symbolic interactionists like Edwin Sutherland c. label theorists like Howard Becker d. conflict theorists like Richard Quinney

d. conflict theorists like Richard Quinney

A woman attributes her teenage son's deviant behavior to him "falling in with a bad crowd." Which symbolic interactionist theory of deviance does this explanation MOST closely resemble?

differential association

Which theory argues that people learn to be deviant by interacting with others who are already deviant?

differential association theory.

Robert Merton developed structural strain theory to explain why deviance occurs. What is the cause of the strain suggested by the name of the theory?

strain between socially approved goals and the means an individual has for realizing them