Question 1

According to the general theory of crime, deviance is the result of learning within small groups.

Accepted Answer

According to the general theory of crime, deviance is the result of low self-control which is developed during childhood due to inadequate parental monitoring, poor discipline, and inconsistent reinforcement. It is not necessarily related to learning within small groups.

Question 2

Despite his best efforts, Chris has been unemployed for more than two years. He has finally decided that there is no point in pursuing the "American Dream" anymore. He stops looking for a job, and sits at home drinking beer all day long. Which mode of adaptation is he engaging in?
A)conformity
B)rebellion
C)ritualism
D)retreatism
E)innovation

Accepted Answer

Chris's decision to give up on pursuing the American Dream and stop looking for a job is an example of retreatism, which involves rejecting both culturally defined goals (in this case, the American Dream) and the legitimate means of achieving them (finding a job). By withdrawing from society and becoming apathetic towards conventional norms, Chris is engaging in retreatism.

Question 3

The examination of structural influences on people's ability to handle strain discussed in Agnew's General Strain Theory provides evidence that a strong social welfare system could bring the opportunity for more people to develop positive coping strategies and reduce deviance overall.

Accepted Answer

Agnew's General Strain Theory suggests that structural factors, such as poverty and lack of social support, can lead to strain and subsequently deviant behavior. A strong social welfare system, such as access to healthcare and education, could provide more opportunities for people to develop positive coping strategies and reduce their likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior.

Question 4

According to functionalist theorists, after people "let off steam" through minor acts of deviance, various processes motivate them to return to their acceptable roles in society. Which process would include sending someone to jail?
A)Socialization
B)profit
C)persuasion
D)Coercion
E)Internalization

Accepted Answer

Coercion involves the use of force or threats to make someone comply with societal norms or rules. Sending someone to jail is an example of coercion, as it involves using the force of the criminal justice system to punish someone for their deviant behavior and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. While socialization, persuasion, and internalization can also play a role in motivating individuals to conform to societal norms, coercion is the only option presented that explicitly involves the use of force or threats. Profit, on the other hand, is not a process that motivates individuals to return to acceptable roles in society after engaging in deviance.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of positivist theories?
A)emancipatory interest
B)technical interest in the mastery of the environment
C)value-orienting foundation
D)foundation in symbolic dialogue
E)interest in events that may be unique and unrepeatable

Accepted Answer

Positivist theories place emphasis on the objective study of observable phenomena and the identification of cause-and-effect relationships. A technical interest in the mastery of the environment is a common characteristic of such theories. Emancipatory interest, value-orienting foundation, foundation in symbolic dialogue, and interest in unique and unrepeatable events are more commonly associated with interpretive or critical theories.

Question 6

Which category of theory is most concerned with why people act in deviant ways?
A)Positivist
B)Interpretive
C)Critical
D)Marxist
E)Postmodern

Accepted Answer

Positivist theories are most concerned with explaining why individuals engage in deviant behavior by examining biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to this behavior. They assume that there are objective and measurable qualities that determine deviance and aim to identify these factors.

Question 7

According to Merton's strain theory, what causes deviance?
A)a gap between institutionalized goals and illegitimate means of achieving those goals
B)structure of society
C)availability of illegitimate opportunities
D)breakdown of social bonds due to rapid social change
E)the need to reduce societal tensions by "letting off steam."

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Merton's strain theory, what causes...

Question 8

In some communities in Russia today, there is a growing problem of substance abuse, due to
A)enhanced social cohesion under capitalism.
B)greater moral regulation under capitalism.
C)more freedom of travel across borders under capitalism.
D)anomic disorder creating a greater demand for substances.
E)the need to reduce societal tensions by "letting off steam."

Accepted Answer

Anomic disorder refers to a breakdown of social norms, values, and institutions that can lead to feelings of frustration, insecurity, and hopelessness. This can increase the demand for substances as a way to cope with these negative emotions. Furthermore, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a period of instability and economic uncertainty that contributed to the breakdown of social norms and led to an increase in substance abuse.

Question 9

Which of the following types of theories are utilized in the study of deviance?
A)general sociological theories
B)criminological theories
C)interdisciplinary theories
D)feminist theories
E)sociological theories, criminological theories, interdisciplinary theories, and feminist theories are all used in the study of deviance

Accepted Answer

The study of deviance requires the use of multiple theoretical perspectives, including sociological theories, criminological theories, interdisciplinary theories, and feminist theories. This is because deviance is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be fully understood through a single theoretical lens. Each of these types of theories provides unique insights into the causes and consequences of deviant behavior, and helps researchers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of this important social issue.

Question 10

Learning to conform to social order by having students line up at school to go inside is an example of a manifest function.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a latent function, as it indirectly teaches students about conformity and social order, rather than being the direct, intended outcome (manifest function) of lining up, which is to organize movement and maintain discipline.

Question 11

Which function of deviance is served by collectively manufacturing an evil enemy image directed at "terrorists"?
A)helping society determine its moral boundaries
B)reducing societal tensions by "letting off steam"
C)increasing social solidarity
D)testing society's boundaries
E)preventing harm

Accepted Answer

Creating an evil enemy image directed at "terrorists" serves the function of increasing social solidarity. This is because it creates a common foe that can unite members of society against a perceived threat, fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose.

Question 12

Modern research using Sykes and Matza's theory on the techniques of neutralization have mostly explored major forms of law breaking such as murder.

Accepted Answer

Modern research using Sykes and Matza's theory on the techniques of neutralization has explored a wide range of law-breaking behaviors beyond just major forms such as murder. This includes drug abuse, white-collar crime, and various types of deviant behavior.

Question 13

What is the functionalist perspective of society's rules?
A)rules are made to be broken
B)society's rules reproduce patriarchy
C)society's rules are determined by powerful groups in society
D)there is general consensus about what society's rules should be
E)there is conflict over what society's rules should be

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective believes that society's rules and norms are necessary for social order and stability. They view these rules as essential for maintaining social cohesion and preventing chaos. Therefore, there is a general consensus within society about what these rules should be, and they should be followed by all members of society.

Question 14

According to Durkheim's functionalist theory, in what type of society is deviance the most likely to exceed functional levels?
A)society characterized by mechanical solidarity
B)society characterized by rapid social change
C)society where a small group of people have most of the social power
D)society where social bonds become too tight
E)society characterized by multiple dimensions of inequality

Accepted Answer

Durkheim's functionalist theory suggests that deviance is more likely to exceed functional levels in societies characterized by rapid social change. This is because rapid social change can lead to a breakdown in social norms and values, making it more difficult for individuals to know what is expected of them and increasing the likelihood of deviant behavior. In contrast, societies characterized by mechanical solidarity (choice A) have strong collective consciousness and shared values, making deviance less likely. Similarly, societies with a small group of people having most of the social power (choice C) or tight social bonds (choice D) may have strict social control mechanisms in place to prevent deviance. Multiple dimensions of inequality (choice E) may increase deviance among marginalized groups, but it is not necessarily more likely to exceed functional levels compared to societies experiencing rapid social change.

Question 15

Parsons and Smelser argue that letting off steam through minor acts of deviance is the gateway to more extreme versions of deviance.

Accepted Answer

Parsons and Smelser did not argue that letting off steam through minor acts of deviance leads to more extreme versions of deviance. This concept is more closely related to the strain theory or the escalation of commitment, rather than their work which focused on the structural-functional approach to understanding society.

Question 16

Positivist theories are fundamentally interested in explaining why people act in particular ways.

Accepted Answer

Positivist theories are focused on identifying the factors that influence and shape human behavior. They seek to explain why individuals act in certain ways by looking at observable and measurable factors such as environmental stimuli, social norms, and biological factors.

Question 17

Which of the following theories includes the claim that traditional gender roles, wherein women perform expressive tasks and men perform instrumental tasks, ensure that the family division of labour is done efficiently?
A)functionalist theories
B)learning theories
C)social control theories
D)power-reflexive theories
E)feminist theories

Accepted Answer

This statement is consistent with functionalist theories, which argue that traditional gender roles contribute to social stability by ensuring efficient family divisions of labor.

Question 18

Jones and Quisenberry (2004)found that low levels of self-control are associated with antisocial deviant behaviours (e.g. risky driving)in some people, but with adventure-seeking behaviours (e.g. skydiving)in others.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the findings of Jones and Quisenberry's study.

Question 19

Which theories are the most concerned with the maintenance of the social order?
A)social control theories
B)learning theories
C)functionalist theories
D)postmodern theories
E)power-reflexive theories

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is the sociological theory that views society as a complex system comprising interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. Therefore, functionalist theories are the most concerned with the maintenance of the social order. Social control theories also emphasize the importance of social order, but they focus more on how social norms and values influence individuals' behavior. Learning theories, postmodern theories, and power-reflexive theories do not center on social order maintenance as their primary concern.

Question 20

How does Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory compare to Merton's strain theory?
A)strain theory proposes that there are structural differences in access to legitimate opportunities, but differential opportunity theory disagrees
B)strain theory proposes that there are structural differences in access to legitimate opportunities, and differential opportunity theory agrees
C)strain theory proposes that there are structural differences in access to illegitimate opportunities, but differential opportunity theory disagrees
D)strain theory proposes that there are structural differences in access to illegitimate opportunities, and differential opportunity theory agrees
E)differential opportunity theory proposes that there are structural differences in access to legitimate opportunities, but strain theory disagrees

Accepted Answer

Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory builds upon Merton's strain theory by agreeing that structural differences in access to legitimate opportunities lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior. However, it further suggests that access to illegitimate opportunities also varies, influencing the type of deviance in which individuals engage.

Quiz 2: Explaining Deviance: The Act

According to the general theory of crime, deviance is the result of learning within small groups.

Despite his best efforts, Chris has been unemployed for more than two years. He has finally decided that there is no point in pursuing the "American Dream" anymore. He stops looking for a job, and sits at home drinking beer all day long. Which mode of adaptation is he engaging in?

The examination of structural influences on people's ability to handle strain discussed in Agnew's General Strain Theory provides evidence that a strong social welfare system could bring the opportunity for more people to develop positive coping strategies and reduce deviance overall.

According to functionalist theorists, after people "let off steam" through minor acts of deviance, various processes motivate them to return to their acceptable roles in society. Which process would include sending someone to jail?

Which of the following is a characteristic of positivist theories?

Which category of theory is most concerned with why people act in deviant ways?

According to Merton's strain theory, what causes deviance?

In some communities in Russia today, there is a growing problem of substance abuse, due to

Which of the following types of theories are utilized in the study of deviance?

Learning to conform to social order by having students line up at school to go inside is an example of a manifest function.

Which function of deviance is served by collectively manufacturing an evil enemy image directed at "terrorists"?

Modern research using Sykes and Matza's theory on the techniques of neutralization have mostly explored major forms of law breaking such as murder.

What is the functionalist perspective of society's rules?

According to Durkheim's functionalist theory, in what type of society is deviance the most likely to exceed functional levels?

Parsons and Smelser argue that letting off steam through minor acts of deviance is the gateway to more extreme versions of deviance.

Positivist theories are fundamentally interested in explaining why people act in particular ways.

Which of the following theories includes the claim that traditional gender roles, wherein women perform expressive tasks and men perform instrumental tasks, ensure that the family division of labour is done efficiently?

Jones and Quisenberry (2004)found that low levels of self-control are associated with antisocial deviant behaviours (e.g. risky driving)in some people, but with adventure-seeking behaviours (e.g. skydiving)in others.

Which theories are the most concerned with the maintenance of the social order?

How does Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory compare to Merton's strain theory?