Question 1

According to institutional anomie theory, what is antisocial behaviour a function of?

Accepted Answer

Institutional anomie theory suggests that antisocial behavior is a function of cultural and institutional influences in society, where the cultural pursuit of success goals, such as wealth, surpasses the institutional means to achieve them, leading to anomie or normlessness.

Question 2

Which orientation would a theorist come from if they said: "Desire to succeed at any cost drives people apart, weakens the collective sense of community, fosters ambition, and restricts the desirability of other kinds of achievement"?

Accepted Answer

This statement aligns with the theory of institutional anomie, which suggests that the cultural emphasis on success and achievement, particularly through economic means, undermines social institutions and leads to high levels of anomie or normlessness. This theory posits that the societal focus on material success erodes communal bonds and values, leading to social issues.

Question 3

Which theorist would be most likely to say: "If a division occurs between what the population expects and what society can realistically deliver, frustration and normlessness occurs"?

Accepted Answer

Émile Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie to describe a state of normlessness, where society fails to effectively regulate the expectations and behaviors of its members, leading to a disconnection between societal goals and the means available to achieve them. This can result in societal instability and individual frustration.

Question 4

According to Messner and Rosenfeld, why does an obsessive fixation on financial success undermine the social institutions in America?

Accepted Answer

Messner and Rosenfeld argue that an obsessive fixation on financial success leads to the subordination and accommodation of non-economic roles to economic roles, undermining social institutions by prioritizing economic success over other societal values.

Question 5

What psychological state affects the relatively high crime rates in western society, and explains the relationship of material goods and legitimate means to achieve those goods?

Accepted Answer

The desire for material possessions, when not matched with legitimate means to achieve them, can lead to increased crime rates. This is because individuals may resort to illegitimate methods to obtain the goods they desire, contributing to higher crime rates in society.

Question 6

Which statement best exemplifies the concept of social injustice?

Accepted Answer

Statement C highlights a disparity in quality of life that cannot be overcome by personal effort, pointing to systemic or social barriers, which is a core aspect of social injustice.

Question 7

In terms of crime control, what type of network are businesses, schools, churches, and organizations?

Accepted Answer

Secondary networks, such as businesses, schools, churches, and organizations, play a crucial role in crime control by providing structured environments, fostering community engagement, and offering resources and support systems that can deter criminal behavior.

Question 8

In terms of crime control, what type of network are peers, families, and relatives?

Accepted Answer

Primary networks, such as peers, families, and relatives, are considered the first line of influence and social control in an individual's life, directly affecting behavior and attitudes towards crime.

Question 9

According to the Blaus' theory on relative deprivation, what is a collective sense of social injustice in the poor directly related to?

Accepted Answer

Blaus' theory on relative deprivation suggests that a collective sense of social injustice in the poor is directly related to income inequality. This theory posits that feelings of deprivation and injustice arise when people perceive significant disparities between their own economic conditions and those of others in their society.

Question 10

A wealthy banker is invited to the home of a business associate. He discovers that, despite his wealth, he is far less affluent than his peers. To compensate, he gets involved in an insider trading scheme. What is his behaviour an example of?

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation refers to the experience of feeling deprived of something to which one believes they are entitled, especially when comparing oneself to others. In this scenario, the banker feels less affluent compared to his peers, which leads him to engage in unethical behavior to compensate for this perceived deprivation.

Question 11

According to Robert Agnew, what arises from destructive social relationships and results in criminality?

Accepted Answer

According to Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory, criminality arises from negative affective states that result from destructive social relationships. These negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, can lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior as a way to cope with or respond to their strain or stress.

Question 12

What kind of strain is exemplified by perceptions of inequality such as "Other kids have connections and I don't"?

Accepted Answer

The disjunction of expectations and achievements is exemplified by perceptions of inequality such as "Other kids have connections and I don't".

Question 13

What type of strain is exemplified by pain-inducing social interactions such as child abuse and neglect?

Accepted Answer

Strain caused by the presentation of negative stimuli refers to situations where individuals are subjected to harmful or unpleasant conditions, such as child abuse and neglect. These scenarios directly introduce negative experiences, leading to strain.

Question 14

When can strain be considered a predisposing factor for crime?

Accepted Answer

Chronic and repetitive strain that creates a hostile, suspicious, and aggressive attitude can predispose individuals to crime by fostering negative emotions and attitudes that may lead to criminal behavior.

Question 15

According to general strain theory, which factor affects one's ability to cope with strain?

Accepted Answer

General strain theory suggests that individuals who associate with criminal peers who reinforce anger are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as a coping mechanism for strain. This association provides an environment where deviant methods of coping with stress, such as criminal activity, are learned and encouraged.

Question 16

Which of the following is related to social disorganization theory in the same way that relative deprivation is related to strain theory?

Accepted Answer

Concentric zone theory is related to social disorganization theory as it explains how urban environments, particularly the transitional zones, contribute to social disorganization. Similarly, relative deprivation is a key concept in strain theory, explaining how perceived inequality leads to strain and deviance.

Question 17

In which way is general strain theory (GST) different from the other models discussed as a part of strain theory?

Accepted Answer

General Strain Theory (GST) differs from other models within strain theory by emphasizing the individual level of analysis. It looks at how individuals experience strain and the psychological impacts of that strain, leading to criminal behavior. Other models might focus more on societal or group-level factors.

Question 18

Which of the following provides empirical support for general strain theory?

Accepted Answer

General strain theory suggests that individuals who experience stressors or strains, such as "life hassles" and "negative life events," are more likely to engage in crime as a means of coping with or escaping from their negative emotions. This choice directly reflects the theory's emphasis on the relationship between strain and criminal behavior.

Question 19

What is one problem with general strain theory?

Accepted Answer

General strain theory primarily focuses on how individuals react to stressors and strains in their environment, which can lead to criminal behavior. However, it has been criticized for not adequately explaining why there are significant gender differences in crime rates, as men are generally more involved in crime than women. This theory tends to overlook the different ways in which men and women might experience and cope with strain, as well as societal and cultural factors that influence gender roles and expectations.

Question 20

What are the rules governing day-to-day living conditions within subcultures referred to as?

Accepted Answer

Conduct norms refer to the rules and expectations that govern day-to-day living conditions within subcultures, including behaviors, values, and social practices. These norms dictate how members of the subculture are expected to behave in various situations.

Quiz 7: Social Structure Theories