Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The function of deviance being served by collectively manufacturing an evil enemy image directed at "terrorists" is increasing social solidarity. By promoting a common enemy, individuals are able to come together and identify as part of a larger group, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing a shared identity.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Functionalists argue that traditional gender roles ensure the efficient division of labor within the family. According to them, women are naturally suited to performing expressive tasks (such as nurturing and emotional care), while men are better suited to instrumental tasks (such as providing financial support and protection). This division leads to a harmonious and efficient family unit.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The general theory of crime, also known as the self-control theory, proposes that deviance is the result of a lack of self-control, which is developed from childhood socialization and parental monitoring. It does not suggest that deviance is solely the result of learning within small groups.

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?

Accepted Answer

Coercion involves the use of punishment or force to push individuals back into their acceptable roles in society. Sending someone to jail is a clear form of coercion, as it involves removing them from their everyday life and using punishment to encourage them to conform to societal norms upon release. Socialization and internalization involve more subtle processes of learning and internalizing norms and values, and are not directly related to punishment or force.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity...

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the interconnectedness of social structures and their role in maintaining social order and stability. Functionalists argue that certain structures and institutions are necessary for the smooth functioning of society, and that individuals are socialized into these structures through processes such as education, religion, and the media. Therefore, functionalist theories are most concerned with the maintenance of the social order.

Question 7

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

Jones and Quisenberry (2004) did find that low levels of self-control were associated with antisocial deviant behaviours in some individuals, but they also found that in others it was associated with adventure-seeking behaviours.

Question 8

When does status frustration emerge?

Accepted Answer

Status frustration emerges when lower-class boys are unable to live up to the middle-class measuring rod in schools. This means that they are unable to meet the expectations of the middle-class culture that dominates the educational system. They may face difficulties in academic achievement, social mobility, and finding jobs with upward mobility, leading to a sense of frustration and alienation from mainstream society. This concept was first introduced by Albert Cohen in his book "Delinquent Boys: The Culture of the Gang".

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Anomic disorder refers to a breakdown in social norms and values, leading to feelings of confusion and alienation. This breakdown can lead to a greater demand for substances as a way to cope with these feelings. This is likely a contributing factor to the growing problem of substance abuse in some communities in Russia today. The other options - enhanced social cohesion, greater moral regulation, more freedom of travel, and the need to reduce societal tensions - do not have a direct connection to substance abuse.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about microanomie is true?

Accepted Answer

Microanomie refers to a state where self-transcendence values, such as concern for the welfare of others and community well-being, are overridden by self-enhancement values, such as self-interest and material gain. Option A is incorrect as it is the reverse order. Option B is unsupported by any evidence, and option C is incorrect as self-enhancement values prioritize personal interest rather than social justice. Option E is incorrect as strain can lead to deviance, regardless of the associated emotions.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Positivist theories focus on understanding the causes of deviant behavior, often through scientific methods and empirical data, to explain why people act in deviant ways.

Question 12

What is the functionalist perspective of society's rules?

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective sees society as a system held together by shared values and beliefs, and thus, there is a general consensus about what society's rules should be. Rules are seen as necessary for maintaining social order and ensuring the smooth functioning of society. This perspective emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and stability, and therefore, emphasizes the importance of following and enforcing society's rules.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The study of deviance draws on a variety of theoretical perspectives, including general sociological theories, criminological theories, interdisciplinary theories, and feminist theories. Each of these perspectives brings different insights and approaches to understanding and explaining deviant behavior. Therefore, all of the given options are utilised in the study of deviance.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Cherise lives in a neighbourhood where there is an organized group of people involved in selling illegal weapons to rival gangs. Seeing an opportunity to make some money, Cherise joins this group of weapons dealers. According to Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory, what type of group has Cherise joined?

Accepted Answer

Cherise has joined a criminal gang according to Cloward and Ohlin's differential opportunity theory. This theory suggests that individuals in disadvantaged neighborhoods face limited opportunities for success through legitimate means, and as a result, turn to criminal activity as a means of achieving success and improving their social status. Cherise's involvement in the illegal weapons trade fits within this framework.

Question 16

According to the general theory of crime, low levels of self-control are relatively stable throughout life.

Accepted Answer

The general theory of crime argues that low self-control is a trait that is established early in life and remains relatively stable throughout the lifespan. This means that individuals who are low in self-control as children are likely to continue exhibiting low levels of self-control as they age into adulthood.

Question 17

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?

Accepted Answer

Chris is engaging in retreatism by withdrawing from society's goals of achieving the American Dream and giving up on finding a job.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of positivist theories?

Accepted Answer

Positivist theories prioritize a technical interest in the mastery of the environment, often relying on the scientific method and empirical evidence to understand and predict phenomena. They are typically not focused on emancipatory interests or symbolic dialogue, and may not consider the unique nature of certain events. They do not necessarily have a value-orienting foundation, as they aim to be objective and value-neutral.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

According to Durkheim's functionalist theory, deviance is more likely to exceed functional levels in societies with rapid social change. This is because rapid social change can lead to a breakdown in the norms and values that regulate behavior, creating confusion and uncertainty. In such societies, individuals may not have clear guidelines for acceptable behavior, leading to an increase in deviant behaviors.

Question 20

Which of the following theories best explains why university students who place a high value on academic work, but have GPAs below 3.0 and score high on measures of depression, are most likely to use "homework drugs"?

Accepted Answer

Agnew's general strain theory suggests that individuals who experience stress and strain are more likely to engage in deviant behavior, including the use of drugs. University students who place a high value on academic work but struggle academically and suffer from depression may experience strain due to the resulting negative feedback and feelings of inadequacy. This strain may lead them to use "homework drugs" in an attempt to improve their academic performance and cope with their negative emotions.

Quiz 2: Explaining Deviance: The Act