Sociology : Deviance and Social Control
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Sociology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 :Theories Of Deviance
According to Robert K. Merton's theory of deviance, which of the following accepts cultural goals but rejects the institutionalized means to reach them?
Retreatrist
Ritualist
Conformer
Rebel
Innovator
Innovator
According to Robert K. Merton, individuals can be categorized an individual's level of deviance based upon the amount of anomie present in their lives. Merton defined anomie as a state of normlessness that occurs when cultural goals are disjointed from the institutionalized means used to reach them. In this manner, Merton theorized that individuals can either accept or reject these norms and means. He categorized them using the provided table. It is important to note that those who fail to acknowledge cultural goals and institutionalized means may introduce new goals and means. This is known as rebellion.
In the question, a person who accepts cultural goals and rejects institutionalized means would be an innovator.
Example Question #1 :Theories Of Deviance
All of the following are considered functionalist approaches to the study of deviance except __________.
social disorganization theory
none of the other answer choices
strain theory
cultural deviance
power elite theory
power elite theory
Power elite theory is an approach within the conflict theory school of deviance, and is not considered a functionalist approach. The other three options — strain theory, social disorganization theory, and cultural deviance — are functionalist approaches to explaining deviance in society.
Example Question #1 :Theories Of Deviance
Conflict Theory argues that deviance is caused by __________.
weak social ties and the absence of social control in a community
the negative reactions people's behaviors can cause in others
none of the other answer choices
adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores
social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice
social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice
Conflict theory argues that deviance is caused by social and economic factors, most notably systemic inequality or injustice. Cultural deviance theory argues that deviance is caused by adhering to the prevailing lower-class social norms or mores. Social disorganization theory argues that asserts that deviance is most likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. Labeling theory argues that deviance is caused not so much by individuals or their behavior, but by the negative reactions behaviors can cause in others.
Example Question #2 :Theories Of Deviance
All of the following are likely members of the power elite except a __________.
doctor
janitor
banker
politician
lawyer
janitor
The power elite refers to the small group of people at the top of society with access to all the power and resources. Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, and Politicians would all be members of the power elite.
Example Question #1 :Deviance And Social Control
Crimes committed by regular people against each other or local organizations, usually in public or communal areas, are called __________.
violent crimes
victimless crimes
nonviolent crimes
street crimes
corporate crimes
street crimes
Street crimes are crimes committed by regular people against each other or local organizations, usually in public or communal areas. Victimless crimes are illegal behaviors that do not result in injury to persons or property other than the person who committed them. Violent crimes are crimes that use force or threat of force. Nonviolent crimes are crimes that usually involve theft or destruction of property but do not use force or a threat of force.
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