Question 1

What theory would argue that Stefan has a greater likelihood of committing deviant acts if he associates with peers who look favourably upon crime and deviance?
A)illegitimate opportunity
B)labelling theory
C)strain
D)differential association

Accepted Answer

Differential association theory argues that individuals learn deviant behaviors and attitudes from their association with others who hold favorable attitudes towards such behavior. In this scenario, Stefan's association with peers who have a positive attitude towards crime and deviance would increase his likelihood of engaging in such behavior.

Question 2

Your parents are upset about the new group of peers with whom you are spending time because they feel that this new group of friends is encouraging you to behave in inappropriate and deviant ways.Which of the theorists below developed the theory that best fits this scenario?
A)Travis Hirschi
B)Edwin Sutherland
C)Richard Cloward
D)Robert Merton

Accepted Answer

Edwin Sutherland developed the theory of differential association, which states that individuals learn deviant behavior through exposure to and association with deviant peers. In this scenario, the parents' concern about the new group of peers fits with the differential association theory.

Question 3

What theory would view Alex as deviant if his teachers define him as a troublemaker?
A)strain theory
B)social control theory
C)differential association theory
D)labelling theory

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory suggests that individuals are labelled as deviant through social interactions and societal reactions to their behaviour. In this case, if Alex's teachers have defined him as a troublemaker, they have essentially labelled him as deviant, regardless of his actual behaviour or actions. This labelling may have consequences for Alex's future behaviour, as he may start to see himself as a troublemaker and begin to act accordingly.

Question 4

Drinking alcohol is legal for those over a certain age,while mainlining heroin is not.Who of the following would explain this as people with economic and political power defining as criminal any behaviour that threatens their own interests?
A)symbolic interactionists
B)functionalists
C)conflict theorists
D)proponents of differential association

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists would explain the criminalization of certain behaviors as a way for those in power to maintain their control and protect their interests. They would argue that laws and social norms are not based on moral or ethical considerations but on maintaining the status quo and protecting those in power.

Question 5

What does the conflict perspective argue about criminal law?
A)It is applied equally to the different social classes.
B)It attempts to reverse the inequalities present in society.
C)It was created in order to label deviants as "criminals."
D)It protects the interests of the affluent and powerful.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective argues that criminal law protects the interests of the affluent and powerful, rather than being applied equally to all social classes. The idea is that the ruling class creates laws that reinforce their dominance and criminalize the behavior of the lower classes, thereby maintaining their power and privilege.

Question 6

What theory,by Travis Hirschi,holds that the probability of deviant behaviour increases when a person's ties to society are weakened or broken?
A)social bond
B)strain
C)illegitimate opportunity
D)differential association

Accepted Answer

The theory by Travis Hirschi that holds that the probability of deviant behavior increases when a person's ties to society are weakened or broken is known as the Social Bond Theory. It emphasizes the role of socialization and social bonds in preventing individuals from engaging in criminal behavior. As the strength of the bond weakens or breaks, individuals become more inclined to engage in deviant or criminal behavior.

Question 7

Labelling theory is based on what perspective?
A)conflict perspective
B)symbolic interactionist perspective
C)feminist perspective
D)postmodernist perspective

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory is based on the symbolic interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and communication in shaping how individuals experience and interpret the world around them. This perspective sees labels as social constructs that are applied to individuals based on their behavior and characteristics, and that have the power to influence their self-concept and behavior in turn.

Question 8

What did sociologist William Chambliss conclude in his study of the Saints and the Roughnecks?
A)Although both groups engaged in similar behaviours,only the Roughnecks-who came from lower-income families-were stigmatized by a deviant label.
B)Since both groups engaged in similar behaviours,their members were equally stigmatized by deviant labels,regardless of their class background.
C)The Roughnecks were stigmatized by a deviant label because they committed more criminal offences than the Saints.
D)The Saints were stigmatized by a deviant label because they committed more "trouble-making" acts than the Roughnecks.

Accepted Answer

William Chambliss concluded in his study of the Saints and the Roughnecks that although both groups engaged in similar behaviors, only the Roughnecks - who came from lower-income families - were stigmatized by a deviant label. The Saints, who came from more affluent families, were not labeled as deviant despite their similar behavior.

Question 9

A young girl in middle school decides,for the first time,not to attend school today because she has a test.What would sociologist Edwin Lemert call this initial act of rule breaking?
A)primary deviance
B)secondary deviance
C)residual deviance
D)undetected deviance

Accepted Answer

Edwin Lemert's theory of primary and secondary deviance refers to the initial act of breaking a rule or norm as primary deviance. In this scenario, the young girl's decision not to attend school is a one-time occurrence and does not necessarily reflect a pattern of deviant behavior, making it an example of primary deviance.

Question 10

What theory would examine the relationship between a woman's role as mother and the crime of infanticide?
A)functionalist theory
B)feminist theory
C)social control theory
D)egalitarian theory

Accepted Answer

Feminist theory examines how gender inequality and patriarchy are involved in social issues such as infanticide. This theory is best suited to analyze the relationship between a woman's role as a mother and the crime of infanticide, as it focuses specifically on the experiences and perspectives of women.

Question 11

Single mother Jeannette works at two minimum wage jobs.She routinely writes bad cheques and eventually gets arrested for fraud.Which theory would explain Jeannette's deviance in terms of poor wages and her inability to provide economically for her children?
A)functionalist theory
B)feminist theory
C)social control theory
D)conflict theory

Accepted Answer

The answer of Single mother Jeannette works at two minimum...

Question 12

Suppose that Becky,who is under the legal age,orders and is served a drink in a bar.She is not discovered,so she is not labelled.What form of deviance has taken place,according to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory?
A)secondary deviance
B)primary deviance
C)residual deviance
D)undetected deviance

Accepted Answer

According to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory, the initial act of ordering a drink would be considered primary deviance. However, if Becky were to be discovered and labelled as an underage drinker, any subsequent deviant behavior related to drinking could be considered secondary deviance. Since she was not discovered and labelled, the deviance remains primary. None of the other answer choices are applicable to this situation.

Question 13

Which of the following situations contributes to conformity,according to social bond theory?
A)Bill is a loner.
B)Ryan sells drugs.
C)Nicole has abandoned her parents' value system.
D)Parvana always plays by the rules.

Accepted Answer

According to social bond theory, conformity is more likely when individuals have strong bonds with society, which includes adherence to societal rules and norms. Thus, Parvana always playing by the rules contributes to conformity. A, B, and C are examples of behaviors that would likely lead to nonconformity.

Question 14

Tom and Jared grew up in the inner city and have been living on the streets since age 15.To survive,they panhandle,take on odds jobs,and squeegee windshields for change.What theory would locate their crimes at the level of economic inequality?
A)conflict theory
B)functionalism theory
C)symbolic interactionism theory
D)social control theory

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory views crime as a result of economic inequality and the struggle for power and resources between social classes. Tom and Jared's situation of growing up in the inner city and being forced to live on the streets due to their economic circumstances can be seen as a result of unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society. Their actions to survive, such as panhandling and taking on odd jobs, can be seen as a form of resistance against the dominant social structure that has marginalized them. Thus, conflict theory would locate their crimes at the level of economic inequality.

Question 15

Sara,Maria,and Stephanie have skipped school since the end of February,and now that it is approaching end-of-year exams,their teachers,parents,and friends are concerned that the girls do not care.According to social bond theory,what might be the problem?
A)attachment
B)commitment
C)involvement
D)belief

Accepted Answer

According to social bond theory, the four elements that contribute to an individual's attachment to conventional society are attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. As the girls have skipped school, it indicates a lack of commitment towards their education and their future, which can be the reason for their behavior.

Question 16

What perspectives might make the claim,as Jeffrey Reiman does,that "the rich get richer and the poor get prison"?
A)functionalist
B)conflict
C)social control
D)symbolic interactionist

Accepted Answer

The statement "the rich get richer and the poor get prison" highlights the power dynamics and inequality in society. This aligns with the conflict perspective, which emphasizes the struggle for power and resources among different groups in society.

Question 17

Which term would Howard Becker use to describe animal rights activists who protest Lucy the Elephant's residence at the Valley Zoo in Edmonton?
A)professional speakers
B)moral entrepreneurs
C)modern prophets
D)ethical brokers

Accepted Answer

According to Becker's labeling theory, moral entrepreneurs are individuals or groups who seek to influence public opinion and laws through the promotion of their moral beliefs. Animal rights activists protesting Lucy the Elephant's residence at the Valley Zoo can be seen as moral entrepreneurs attempting to change the public opinion and laws regarding the treatment of animals in captivity.

Question 18

Ned,Carson,and Roy are teenagers who find the gang lifestyle appealing,but there are no gangs in their rural community.According to Cloward and Ohlin,what are these young men likely turn to?
A)theft and extortion
B)fighting over turf
C)drinking and drug use
D)relocating to another city

Accepted Answer

According to Cloward and Ohlin, if there are no gangs in their community, these young men are likely to turn to alternative forms of deviance such as drinking and drug use as a means of rebellion and seeking excitement. They may also turn to other forms of delinquent behavior such as vandalism or petty theft.

Question 19

Don does his first break-and-enter at age 16.During his teens,he continues to break into cars and homes until he is sent to jail shortly after his 19th birthday.According to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory,what is he demonstrating?
A)career deviance
B)primary deviance
C)secondary deviance
D)undetected deviance

Accepted Answer

According to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory, Don is demonstrating secondary deviance, which is the continued engagement in deviant behavior as a result of being labelled or stigmatized as a deviant by society. Don's initial breaking and entering can be considered primary deviance, but his continued behavior after being punished and labeled as a criminal suggests that he has internalized this label and is now engaging in secondary deviance.

Question 20

Why is labelling theory criticized?
A)for not explaining what causes the original acts that constitute primary deviance
B)for placing too much emphasis on why some people accept deviant labels and others do not
C)for not addressing the ways in which social control and personal identity are intertwined
D)for stressing questions of why at the expense of how

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory is criticized for not explaining the underlying causes of primary deviance, which are the initial acts of deviance that lead to the label of deviant being applied to an individual. The theory focuses largely on how deviant labels are applied and how they affect an individual's identity and behavior, but it does not provide a comprehensive explanation for why individuals engage in deviant acts in the first place.

Quiz 7: Crime and Deviance

What theory would argue that Stefan has a greater likelihood of committing deviant acts if he associates with peers who look favourably upon crime and deviance?

Your parents are upset about the new group of peers with whom you are spending time because they feel that this new group of friends is encouraging you to behave in inappropriate and deviant ways.Which of the theorists below developed the theory that best fits this scenario?

What theory would view Alex as deviant if his teachers define him as a troublemaker?

Drinking alcohol is legal for those over a certain age,while mainlining heroin is not.Who of the following would explain this as people with economic and political power defining as criminal any behaviour that threatens their own interests?

What does the conflict perspective argue about criminal law?

What theory,by Travis Hirschi,holds that the probability of deviant behaviour increases when a person's ties to society are weakened or broken?

Labelling theory is based on what perspective?

What did sociologist William Chambliss conclude in his study of the Saints and the Roughnecks?

A young girl in middle school decides,for the first time,not to attend school today because she has a test.What would sociologist Edwin Lemert call this initial act of rule breaking?

What theory would examine the relationship between a woman's role as mother and the crime of infanticide?

Single mother Jeannette works at two minimum wage jobs.She routinely writes bad cheques and eventually gets arrested for fraud.Which theory would explain Jeannette's deviance in terms of poor wages and her inability to provide economically for her children?

Suppose that Becky,who is under the legal age,orders and is served a drink in a bar.She is not discovered,so she is not labelled.What form of deviance has taken place,according to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory?

Which of the following situations contributes to conformity,according to social bond theory?

Tom and Jared grew up in the inner city and have been living on the streets since age 15.To survive,they panhandle,take on odds jobs,and squeegee windshields for change.What theory would locate their crimes at the level of economic inequality?

Sara,Maria,and Stephanie have skipped school since the end of February,and now that it is approaching end-of-year exams,their teachers,parents,and friends are concerned that the girls do not care.According to social bond theory,what might be the problem?

What perspectives might make the claim,as Jeffrey Reiman does,that "the rich get richer and the poor get prison"?

Which term would Howard Becker use to describe animal rights activists who protest Lucy the Elephant's residence at the Valley Zoo in Edmonton?

Ned,Carson,and Roy are teenagers who find the gang lifestyle appealing,but there are no gangs in their rural community.According to Cloward and Ohlin,what are these young men likely turn to?

Don does his first break-and-enter at age 16.During his teens,he continues to break into cars and homes until he is sent to jail shortly after his 19th birthday.According to Edwin Lemert's labelling theory,what is he demonstrating?

Why is labelling theory criticized?