Question 1

Social constructionists such as Tannenbaum argued that deviants and non deviants are the same.

Accepted Answer

Social constructionists like Tannenbaum argue that the distinction between deviants and non-deviants is not inherent in the individuals themselves but is constructed through social processes and labels. This perspective suggests that behaviors are labeled as deviant or normal based on societal reactions and norms, rather than any fundamental differences between those labeled as deviant and those who are not.

Question 2

What do moral entrepreneurs seek to impose upon others?

Accepted Answer

B,C

Question 3

What are the three types of marijuana users according to Becker?

Accepted Answer

B,C,D

Question 4

What is 'diversion' when related to juvenile justice?

Accepted Answer

Diversion in juvenile justice refers to strategies aimed at redirecting juvenile offenders away from formal judicial proceedings and potential incarceration. This can include non-custodial sentences (A), where alternatives to jail or prison are sought, and processes of cautioning rather than prosecuting (B), which aim to address the behavior without resorting to the criminal justice system's full punitive measures.

Question 5

How does labelling theory work, according to Tannenbaum (1938)?

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

What are the three stages of the rule breaking process according to Becker?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

In terms of the concept of 'stigma' what did Becker mean by 'spoiled identities'?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Is it possible for deviance to exist in the absence of application of a label? Can an individual who commits a serious human rights violation, but is not sanctioned, really be considered not to have deviated?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Is labelling theory really a 'theory'?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Becker's study of 'outsiders' was crucial because:

Accepted Answer

Becker's study was pivotal because it redirected the focus from merely studying crime to understanding deviance, marking a significant shift in criminological thought. This approach broadened the scope of criminology to include not just law violations but also behaviors that diverge from social norms, thus offering a more nuanced understanding of societal reactions to different forms of non-conformity.

Question 11

New deviancy theories, such as labelling theory:

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory, a new deviancy theory, adopted a more appreciative methodological stance toward deviants by focusing on the social processes that label certain behaviors as deviant. It also took a more critical stance toward the state and the system that defines what is considered deviant, arguing that deviance is not inherent in any act but is instead the result of the application of rules and sanctions to an "offender."

Question 12

After someone has been convicted of a crime and publically shamed Braithwaite argues it is impossible to become law abiding, respectable citizens.

Accepted Answer

While Braithwaite acknowledges the difficulty and stigma that come with a criminal record, he ultimately argues that it is possible for individuals to reintegrate into society and become law-abiding citizens again through restorative justice measures. He believes in the power of social inclusion, empathy, and community support to help individuals overcome the obstacles they face after being convicted of a crime.

Question 13

It is argued that interactionist inquiry, based on ethnographic fieldwork, is difficult to substantiate or refute.

Accepted Answer

Interactionist inquiry, which involves studying social interactions and meanings that individuals attach to them, is highly context-dependent and subjective. Therefore, it is often difficult to replicate the findings or test the hypotheses generated through ethnographic fieldwork. It does not mean that interactionist research lacks validity or relevance, but rather that its contribution to the body of knowledge is based on rich descriptions and interpretations of local practices, rather than on statistical generalizations.

Question 14

Labelling theory is said to be the sociology of the underdog.

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory is focused on how individuals and groups are labeled by society and the impact this has on their behavior and self-perception. It often examines how those who are labeled as deviant or undesirable by society (the underdogs) can be marginalized and stigmatized as a result.

Question 15

Why is it important to consider the meaning of 'deviant'?

Accepted Answer

It is important to consider the meaning of 'deviant' because deviance is not an objective, measurable phenomenon. Rather, it is a socially constructed label that we apply to behaviors or characteristics that we consider to be outside the norm or acceptable. Understanding this subjective nature of deviance is critical when examining issues related to crime, social control, and justice.

Question 16

What does it mean to say that human interaction is undertaken with the aid of symbols?

Accepted Answer

This means that in human interaction, we use symbols to represent or signify other things. For example, words are symbols we use to represent ideas or objects. This understanding of symbols is crucial to communication and understanding between people.

Question 17

What is the core concern of phenomenology?

Accepted Answer

The core concern of phenomenology is the study of people's subjective experiences, how they relate to the world around them, and how these experiences can be understood. It focuses on the first-person perspective and tries to uncover the underlying structures and meanings behind these experiences. This approach is often used in psychology, philosophy, and other areas of study where human perception and consciousness are important.

Question 18

What do ethnomethodologists concentrate upon?

Accepted Answer

Ethnomethodologists concentrate upon the ways in which everyday activities are made meaningful. They are interested in the methods and social practices that people use to create and maintain a sense of order and meaning in their everyday lives.

Question 19

If primary deviance is classed as the simple commission of a prohibited act, what is 'secondary deviance?

Accepted Answer

Secondary deviance refers to the process of a person beginning to see themselves as deviant and incorporating this deviant identity into their self-concept. It is the result of society's reaction to primary deviance, such as labeling and stigmatization, which can lead to further deviant behavior. Choices A, C, and D refer to outcomes or consequences of deviant behavior rather than the process of secondary deviance.

Question 20

Why do labelling theorists reject positivism?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 11: Interactionism and Labelling Theory