Question 1

According to Emile Durkheim's definition, an act is deviant or criminal because it

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim's definition, an act is deviant or criminal because it offends social norms, meaning it goes against the shared values and beliefs of society. Durkheim believed that deviance is a necessary part of society as it helps to reinforce social norms and boundaries. Therefore, the legality or inherent morality of the act is not the determining factor in its deviance, but rather its contravention of social norms.

Question 2

Which of the following accurately describes deviance?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is not an inherent trait or action, but depends on societal norms and values. Therefore, it changes with time and context.

Question 3

People sometimes commit acts that contradict most any moral code. From a sociological standpoint, what explains such deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Deviant behavior can often be explained by a set of social conditions, such as poverty, lack of education, discrimination, or social isolation. These conditions can lead to a sense of hopelessness or frustration, which may prompt people to engage in behavior that is considered deviant. It is important to consider the social and economic factors that contribute to deviance, rather than simply attributing it to individual immorality or personality traits.

Question 4

From the sociological perspective on deviance, how does a person become an alcoholic?

Accepted Answer

According to the sociological perspective on deviance, labeling theory states that individuals become deviant when they are labeled as such. In the case of alcoholism, a person may be labeled as an alcoholic by society or by medical professionals based on their behavior and physical symptoms. This labeling can lead to social and economic consequences that further reinforce the individual's deviant behavior, potentially leading to a cycle of alcoholism. It is not determined by blood-alcohol level, intoxication behavior, or public outrage alone.

Question 5

In public we behave ourselves according to a set of rules and expectations, even though no written rules exist to hold us accountable. Why do we still behave "normally"?

Accepted Answer

Many social norms and expectations are implicit, meaning they are not explicitly written or enforced by laws or regulations, but are understood and followed through socialization and reinforcement by others. As social creatures, humans have an innate desire to be accepted and approved by others, which leads them to conform to these unwritten rules to avoid disapproval, rejection, or conflicts. Therefore, even though people may not always consciously realize it, their behavior is influenced by social norms and expectations.

Question 6

From the functionalist perspective, a society without deviance would be excessively conformist. Such a society would

Accepted Answer

According to the functionalist perspective, deviance plays an important role in promoting change and innovation in a society. Without deviance, there would be no societal pressure to challenge the status quo or to seek new and better ways of doing things. As a result, a society without deviance would be limited in its ability to adapt and evolve over time. It would be excessively conformist, which would discourage creativity and innovation. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 7

Those defined as deviant often suffer a ________ attached to their deviance. It is associated with shame, loss of status, discrimination, and social isolation.

Accepted Answer

Stigma refers to the negative social label attached to someone who is seen as deviant. It can have serious consequences for the individual's social and psychological well-being, including shame, loss of status, discrimination, and social isolation. While A, B, and D may also contribute to the experience of deviance, stigma specifically refers to the social consequences of deviance.

Question 8

Deviance is best defined as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is defined as behavior that does not conform to societal norms and expectations. It is not solely based on what is considered "normal" or what others may disapprove of, but rather a violation of accepted standards. The definition does not necessarily imply that deviant behavior is inherently abnormal.

Question 9

From the sociological perspective, what causes people to engage in deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

From a sociological perspective, deviant behavior is seen as a result of rational choice. This means that individuals weigh the potential benefits and costs of engaging in deviant behavior and make a decision based on that analysis. Sociologists believe that societal factors such as poverty, social inequality, and lack of opportunity can increase the likelihood of deviant behavior, as individuals who lack resources may turn to illegal or unethical means to achieve their goals. However, it is ultimately the individual's decision to engage in deviant behavior or not. Genetic disposition and psychological abnormality may play a role in some cases, but they are not the primary causes of deviant behavior from a sociological perspective. The idea of a "loss of morality" in society is also a subjective concept and not a widely accepted explanation for deviant behavior.

Question 10

What did Emile Durkheim mean by collective conscience?

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim believed that individuals in a society share similar values, norms, and beliefs that form a collective conscience. This shared understanding helps regulate behavior and maintain social order.

Question 11

A person comes to be considered a deviant when publicly marked with such a designation, and typically acknowledges this definition as part of his or her identity. This is a definition of what theory?

Accepted Answer

This is a definition of labeling theory, which proposes that the process of labeling individuals as deviant can contribute to the development and perpetuation of deviant identities and behaviors. According to this theory, people who are labeled as deviant are more likely to continue engaging in deviant behaviors due to the stigmatization and discrimination they face from others.

Question 12

The tendency to define a deviant behavior as an illness, for which treatment is best left to medical professionals, is referred to as ________ deviance.

Accepted Answer

The term "medicalization of deviance" refers to the process by which behaviors previously considered as moral or legal issues become redefined as medical problems requiring medical intervention. This results in the treatment of deviant behavior being left to medical professionals, rather than being dealt with through social or legal means.

Question 13

A behavior comes to be defined as deviant because

Accepted Answer

Deviance is a social construct that is created through social interactions and processes. A behavior is labeled as deviant when it is publicly defined and reacted to as a violation of social norms and values, such as laws or moral codes. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate choice, as it highlights the social nature of deviance as something that is attributed to a behavior by others. Options A and D imply a universality and objectivity to the definition of deviance, which is not the case. Option B is also incorrect, as the fact that most people believe a behavior is deviant does not necessarily mean that it is deviant.

Question 14

From the functionalist perspective, crime serves a purpose in society. Which function does crime perform?

Accepted Answer

Crime, from a functionalist perspective, helps in defining the boundaries between right and wrong by reinforcing societal norms and values through the punishment of deviant behavior.

Question 15

A child who is continuously derided by his parents as "slow" will internalize this label as part of his identity. Instead of trying to succeed in school, he drops out and turns to drugs and alcohol. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of secondary deviance, where the individual internalizes the negative label and begins to identify with it, ultimately leading to deviant behavior.

Question 16

An ex-convict has a difficult time finding employment because his criminal record has become his

Accepted Answer

A master status is a characteristic that overrides all others and becomes the defining trait of an individual. In this case, the ex-convict's criminal record has become his master status, making it difficult for him to find employment as it is the primary trait that defines him in the eyes of potential employers.

Question 17

Which factor helps define the boundary between normal and deviant?

Accepted Answer

Nonconformity helps define the boundary between normal and deviant, as deviant behavior is often characterized by a lack of conformity to societal norms and expectations.

Question 18

Divorce was once considered deviant, and in many parts of the world, it still is. Americans today hardly think of divorce as something abnormal. Which reason is responsible for the redefinition of divorce as no longer deviant?

Accepted Answer

The redefinition of divorce as no longer deviant is due to a change in social context. As social values and norms have shifted over time, divorce has become more common and accepted as a part of modern society. This shift has been influenced by factors such as increasing levels of education and women's rights, changes in the economy and workforce, and shifts in attitudes towards gender roles and family structures.

Question 19

What we define as normal and abnormal behavior depends on

Accepted Answer

What is considered normal and abnormal behavior is largely influenced by social context, cultural norms, and values. What may be considered normal in one culture or society may be seen as abnormal in another. Therefore, it is important to consider social and cultural factors when evaluating behavior.

Question 20

How does deviance contribute to group solidarity?

Accepted Answer

Deviance can unite people against a common enemy by creating a sense of "us versus them," which strengthens group solidarity as members rally together to oppose or address the deviant behavior.

Quiz 8: Deviance and Social Control