Question 1

The social constructionist perspective is most closely affiliated with which other sociological explanation of deviance?
A)the theory of differential association
B)labeling theory
C)the anomie theory of deviance
D)social disorganization theory

Accepted Answer

The social constructionist perspective and labeling theory both emphasize the role of social interactions and labeling in the creation and maintenance of deviant behavior. Both theories reject the idea that certain behaviors are inherently deviant, and instead argue that they are labeled as such through social processes. Differential association theory focuses on the role of socialization and exposure to deviant behavior, while anomie theory emphasizes the breakdown of social norms and values. Social disorganization theory examines how environmental factors can contribute to higher rates of deviance in certain communities.

Question 2

An important tenet of labeling theory is the recognition that some individuals or groups have the power to define labels and apply them to others.This view shares the emphasis on the social significance of power as purported by the
A)functionalist perspective.
B)conflict perspective.
C)interactionist perspective.
D)global perspective.

Accepted Answer

The emphasis on the social significance of power is a key component of the conflict perspective within sociology. This perspective emphasizes how power dynamics shape societal inequalities and how dominant groups use their power to enforce social order and maintain their privileged position. In the context of labeling theory, the power to define labels and apply them to others is a form of social control that reinforces dominant power structures and marginalizes those who are labeled.

Question 3

Which sociological perspective would be particularly concerned about studies that show that White criminal offenders receive shorter sentences than comparable Latino and African American offenders?
A)functionalist perspective
B)conflict perspective
C)interactionist perspective
D)feminist perspective

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective focuses on inequality, power struggles, and social conflict. The studies showing disparities in sentencing based on race would be a prime example of social conflict and inequality, making the conflict perspective particularly concerned about this issue.

Question 4

According to journalist Naomi Wolf,women in the U.S.who do not conform to the beauty myth are viewed as deviant.

Accepted Answer

According to Naomi Wolf, women in the U.S. who do not conform to the beauty myth are viewed as deviant.

Question 5

A sociologist studies how a teacher's attitudes toward particular students affects students' performance.Students of similar abilities who are "teacher's pets" perform at a high level,and students who are viewed as "troublemakers" perform poorly.This illustrates which explanation of deviance?
A)anomie theory
B)labeling theory
C)cultural transmission
D)differential association

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that being labeled as deviant can lead to actual deviant behavior. In this case, the teacher's labeling of certain students as "troublemakers" may lead them to perform poorly, while the labeling of other students as "teacher's pets" may lead them to perform well.

Question 6

Bob works as a cashier in a supermarket.His boss instructs him to include the price of a new broom-which Bob's boss has deceptively placed near the register-on everyone's bill.Bob's boss also encourages him to change the dates on expired food items so the items can continue to be sold.Eventually,Bob begins to develop his own deceptive sales practices.This is an example of
A)labeling.
B)anomie.
C)differential association.
D)dramaturgy.

Accepted Answer

Bob's behavior is influenced by his boss's deceptive practices, which is an example of differential association. This theory suggests that individuals learn criminal behavior through their interactions with others who engage in criminal activities.

Question 7

A person convicted of a crime-even when prior arrest record and severity of the crime are taken into account-is more likely to receive a shorter prison sentence if he or she is
A)White and non-Hispanic.
B)Black.
C)Hispanic.
D)Asian or Native American.

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that white individuals are more likely to receive shorter prison sentences than Black or Hispanic individuals for similar crimes. This is believed to be due to systemic racial biases in the criminal justice system.

Question 8

In his study of the Saints and the Roughnecks,William Chambliss concluded that a key factor in the varying fortunes of the two groups was their differing
A)ages.
B)social class standing.
C)political views.
D)All of these answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

In William Chambliss's study, he found that the Saints, a group of wealthy and privileged young men, were able to use their social class standing to avoid legal consequences and maintain a positive reputation in the community, while the Roughnecks, a group of lower-class teenagers, were consistently targeted by law enforcement and viewed negatively by the community. Therefore, social class standing was a key factor in their differing fortunes. The other answer choices (ages and political views) were not found to be significant factors in the study.

Question 9

The high degree of anonymity allowing for uncivil behavior when using the Internet has resulted in calls for the establishment of formal rules for online behavior.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. Many people believe that formal rules and regulations should be established to prevent uncivil behavior online.

Question 10

Monica,a new student at Valley High School,becomes friends with a group of teenagers who use marijuana and remain seated during the singing of the national anthem.Although Monica had never used marijuana and used to sing the anthem,she begins to engage in the same behavior as her new friends.This is an example of
A)differential association.
B)conformity.
C)labeling.
D)both differential association and conformity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Monica,a new student at Valley High School,becomes...

Question 11

Which sociologist created an interactionist/conflict explanation of deviance that emphasizes that the response to an act-not the behavior-determines deviance?
A)William Chambliss
B)Harry King
C)Howard Becker
D)Edwin Sutherland

Accepted Answer

Howard Becker created an interactionist/conflict explanation of deviance that emphasizes that the response to an act-not the behavior-determines deviance. He argued that deviance is created by society and can vary based on social context and power dynamics.

Question 12

Which of the following individuals would most likely be the focus of labeling theorists who are researching the power of some individuals or groups to define labels?
A)sexual predators and prostitutes
B)gamblers and money
C)regulators of social control
D)sexual predators and prostitutes,and gamblers and money

Accepted Answer

Labeling theorists who are researching the power of individuals or groups to define labels would focus on regulators of social control. These regulators, such as police officers and judges, have the power to define certain behaviors as criminal or deviant, and thus can impact how individuals are labeled and treated by society. The other options (A, B, and D) may be of interest to labeling theorists, but do not necessarily relate specifically to the power of certain individuals or groups to define labels.

Question 13

Which theory attributes increases in crime and deviance to the absence or breakdown of communal relationships and social institutions?
A)cultural transmission theory
B)labeling theory
C)social disorganization theory
D)conflict theory

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory argues that increases in crime and deviance can be attributed to the breakdown of communal relationships and social institutions in specific neighborhoods or areas. This breakdown can lead to a lack of social control and an increase in criminal and deviant behavior.

Question 14

The societal-reaction approach is also known as
A)the human relations approach.
B)the anomie theory of deviance.
C)labeling theory.
D)the dramaturgical approach.

Accepted Answer

The societal-reaction approach is also known as labeling theory, which suggests that individuals become deviant because they are labeled as such by society.

Question 15

A bank president is found guilty of tax evasion.In addition to paying the government all the money he owes with substantial interest,he is sentenced to three years' probation and a $50,000 fine.At the same time,a female teller at the same bank is found guilty of stealing $500.The teller is sentenced to a prison term of no less than four years.This differential treatment would be of particular concern to sociologists using the
A)functionalist perspective.
B)conflict perspective.
C)interactionist perspective.
D)global perspective.

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective would be most concerned with the differential treatment of the bank president and the female teller as it focuses on power struggles and inequalities in society. This scenario illustrates the unequal distribution of power and punishment based on social status and position.

Question 16

Which of the following is a criticism of social disorganization theory?
A)too much focus on larger forces
B)seems to "blame the victim"
C)that there are no viable organizations
D)that troubled areas are hopeless

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization theory has been criticized for seeming to blame the victim. This means that it places all the blame for crime and deviance on the individuals living in disorganized communities, rather than looking at larger structural factors such as poverty and institutional racism that may contribute to social disorganization.

Question 17

Which conflict sociologist argues that the criminal justice system serves the interests of the powerful and that lawmaking is often an attempt by the powerful to coerce others into their own morality?
A)Elliot Currie
B)Richard Quinney
C)Mark Warr
D)Kai Erikson

Accepted Answer

Richard Quinney is a conflict sociologist who argues that the criminal justice system serves the interests of the powerful and that lawmaking is often an attempt by the powerful to coerce others into their own morality.

Question 18

Recent sociological research supports the position that some forms of crime and deviance have genetic roots.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Recent sociological research supports the position that...

Question 19

According to the research of Kai Erikson,the Puritans' persecution and execution of women suspected of being witches represented continuing attempts to define and redefine the boundaries of their community.

Accepted Answer

Kai Erikson's research supports the statement that the Puritans' persecution and execution of women suspected of being witches was related to their desire to define and redefine their community's boundaries.

Question 20

Both men and women in the U.S.may be stigmatized when they fail to conform to standards of attractiveness.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that both men and women may face stigma and negative judgments based on their appearance, particularly when they fail to meet societal standards of beauty. This can lead to a range of negative social, emotional, and health consequences.

Quiz 24: What Is Deviance

The social constructionist perspective is most closely affiliated with which other sociological explanation of deviance?

An important tenet of labeling theory is the recognition that some individuals or groups have the power to define labels and apply them to others.This view shares the emphasis on the social significance of power as purported by the

Which sociological perspective would be particularly concerned about studies that show that White criminal offenders receive shorter sentences than comparable Latino and African American offenders?

According to journalist Naomi Wolf,women in the U.S.who do not conform to the beauty myth are viewed as deviant.

A sociologist studies how a teacher's attitudes toward particular students affects students' performance.Students of similar abilities who are "teacher's pets" perform at a high level,and students who are viewed as "troublemakers" perform poorly.This illustrates which explanation of deviance?

A person convicted of a crime-even when prior arrest record and severity of the crime are taken into account-is more likely to receive a shorter prison sentence if he or she is

In his study of the Saints and the Roughnecks,William Chambliss concluded that a key factor in the varying fortunes of the two groups was their differing

The high degree of anonymity allowing for uncivil behavior when using the Internet has resulted in calls for the establishment of formal rules for online behavior.

Which sociologist created an interactionist/conflict explanation of deviance that emphasizes that the response to an act-not the behavior-determines deviance?

Which of the following individuals would most likely be the focus of labeling theorists who are researching the power of some individuals or groups to define labels?

Which theory attributes increases in crime and deviance to the absence or breakdown of communal relationships and social institutions?

The societal-reaction approach is also known as

Which of the following is a criticism of social disorganization theory?

Which conflict sociologist argues that the criminal justice system serves the interests of the powerful and that lawmaking is often an attempt by the powerful to coerce others into their own morality?

Recent sociological research supports the position that some forms of crime and deviance have genetic roots.

According to the research of Kai Erikson,the Puritans' persecution and execution of women suspected of being witches represented continuing attempts to define and redefine the boundaries of their community.

Both men and women in the U.S.may be stigmatized when they fail to conform to standards of attractiveness.