Question 1

The methods used by societal members to maintain order and promote predictability of behavior:

Accepted Answer

Social control refers to the methods and strategies used by societies to maintain order and promote predictability of behavior. This can include informal means such as socialization and peer pressure, as well as formal means such as laws and sanctions for non-compliance. Rulemaking and lawmaking are more specific methods within the broader concept of social control, while social science is a field of study that can be used to inform and improve these methods.

Question 2

The process by which social control is the consequence of socialization:

Accepted Answer

Social control is essentially a means of regulating behavior within a society or group. Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and beliefs of their society or group. Through this process, individuals internalize these norms and become more likely to follow them, even when there is no external pressure to do so. This internalization of norms is a key mechanism of social control. Therefore, the best choice is A) internalization of group norms. The other choices – social norms, control through external pressure, and negative sanctions – are all related to social control, but do not directly address the role of socialization in this process.

Question 3

A/an _________ is an established norm of common practice.

Accepted Answer

Folkway refers to the traditional behavior or way of life of a particular community or group of people, representing established norms of common practice.

Question 4

Social norms associated with intense feelings of right and wrong are called _____________.

Accepted Answer

Mores are social norms that are associated with intense feelings of right and wrong, and violation of mores can result in severe punishment or social sanction. Folkways, on the other hand, are social norms that govern everyday behavior and are less strict in terms of punishment for violation. Black letter law refers to strict legal rules and principles, and typically does not involve social norms. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Question 5

Which of the following is not an example of a folkway?

Accepted Answer

Incest refers to a taboo that is considered a more serious violation of social norms and is not considered a folkway. Etiquette, use of language, and modes of dress are examples of folkways, which are informal norms that govern everyday behavior.

Question 6

Informal social control works best in which type of society?

Accepted Answer

Informal social control works best in homogeneous societies where individuals share similar values, norms, and beliefs. In such societies, informal social control mechanisms such as gossip, shame, and social exclusion are highly effective in regulating behavior and maintaining societal harmony. In contrast, heterogeneous societies with diverse cultural backgrounds and complex divisions of labor may require more formal institutions of social control such as law enforcement and the justice system.

Question 7

In her famous study of Missouri cities and towns, Sarah L. Boggs found that _____________.

Accepted Answer

Sarah L. Boggs found that neighborhood safety was related to the community's social network in her study of Missouri cities and towns.

Question 8

China's most effective means of grassroots control:

Accepted Answer

The "old-lady network" refers to the informal but effective social monitoring and control system in Chinese communities, often involving older women who keep an eye on neighborhood activities and report to local authorities.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a characteristic of societies with formal social controls?

Accepted Answer

Formal social controls are mechanisms established by societies to enforce norms and laws, often found in complex and heterogeneous societies with a great division of labor. Homogeneity, or similarity within the society, is not a characteristic of societies with formal social controls, as these controls are typically necessary to manage the diversity and complexity of more heterogeneous societies.

Question 10

An example of a formal social control is all of the following except _____________.

Accepted Answer

Denouncement is an example of informal social control, typically involving public condemnation or criticism, not a formal mechanism like codes or decrees established by institutions or laws.

Question 11

What percentage of inmates in state and federal prison are serving life sentences?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 10% of inmates in state and federal prisons are serving life sentences.

Question 12

The cost per year for an inmate serving a life sentence is approximately _____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The cost per year for an inmate...

Question 13

The American prison system releases ___________ people each year.

Accepted Answer

The American prison system releases approximately 600,000 people each year, reflecting the high rate of incarceration and subsequent release in the United States.

Question 14

The process by which norms are moved from the social to the legal level:

Accepted Answer

Legalization is the process through which behaviors, actions, or norms that were previously unregulated or prohibited by society are transformed into legal norms, standards, or actions that are sanctioned and regulated by legal institutions.

Question 15

Which of the following is not a purpose of punishment?

Accepted Answer

Incarceration is a specific form of punishment that falls under the broader category of incapacitation, which refers to the restricting of an offender's ability to commit crimes. Therefore, B is a specific form of A, and as such, they cannot be considered distinct purposes of punishment. The other three choices are commonly recognized as distinct purposes of punishment: deterrence seeks to discourage individuals from committing crimes in the first place, retribution seeks to impose a penalty on an offender in response to their wrongdoing, and incapacitation seeks to prevent an offender from committing further crimes by removing them from society.

Question 16

The theory of ____________ is based on the assumption that individuals will choose behavior that maximizes gain and minimizes loss.

Accepted Answer

The theory of deterrence suggests that individuals will choose a behavior that maximizes gain and minimizes loss due to the threat of punishment. This theory assumes that individuals are rational decision-makers who will weigh the potential benefits and consequences of their actions before deciding to act. Therefore, deterrence is the best choice that fits the given description.

Question 17

What percentage of all reported auto thefts are fraudulent?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What percentage of all reported auto thefts...

Question 18

An example of an expressive crime would be _____________.

Accepted Answer

2^nd degree murder involves premeditation and intention, which are characteristics of an expressive crime. Embezzlement, blackmail, and tax evasion are examples of instrumental crimes as they are committed for material gain or personal interest.

Question 19

In the U.S., capital punishment was declared unconstitutional in _____________.

Accepted Answer

In 1972, the case of Furman v. Georgia declared capital punishment unconstitutional because it was viewed as "cruel and unusual punishment" and without consistent guidelines for implementation. However, in 1976, the case of Gregg v. Georgia reversed this decision and allowed states to reinstate the death penalty with certain guidelines. Brown v. Board of Education and People v. LaValle were not related to the constitutionality of capital punishment.

Question 20

This country has more court-ordered executions than all other nations combined:

Accepted Answer

China is known to carry out more executions than any other country in the world, surpassing the total number of executions in all other countries combined. However, the exact number is a state secret, making it difficult to obtain precise figures.

Quiz 5: Law and Social Control