Theories that explain why deviance occurs are referred to as ______, while theories that explain how deviance occurs are referred to as ______.
A)interactionist; explanatory
B)explanatory; functionalist
C)functionalist; biological
D)explanatory; interactionist

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Theories that explain why deviance occurs are focused on understanding the underlying causes or root factors that lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior, while theories that explain how deviance occurs focus on the specific mechanisms or processes through which individuals become deviant or engage in deviant behavior. The distinction between these two types of theories is usually associated with the broader theoretical frameworks within which they are situated, with explanatory or structural theories tending to be associated with functionalism or conflict theory, and interactionist theories being more focused on understanding the micro-level social processes that lead to deviant behavior. Choice D accurately reflects this distinction between explanatory and interactionist theories.

Theories That Explain Why Deviance Occurs Are Referred to as ______