Central Theories

Question 1

to study function of a social activity is to analyze its contributions to the continuation of the society as a whole -> emphasis on order and stability of a society

Answer 1

functionalism (Emile Durkheim / Robert Merton)

Question 2

social order is maintained by domination of those who possess power

Answer 2

conflict theory (Karl Marx)

Question 3

emphasizes the roles of symbols and languages as core elements of all human interaction

Answer 3

symbolic interactionism (George Herbert Mead / Erving Goffman / Harold Garfinkel)

Question 4

one key explanatory factor of society is individuals’ self-interests

Answer 4

rational choice theory

Question 5

society is no longer governed by history or progress (no grand narrative)

Answer 5

postmodern theory

Question 6

people become ‘deviant’ because certain labels are attached to their behavior. once a person commits a criminal behavior, he or she is stigmatized as a deviant and is likely to be considered untrustworthy. this might lead to further criminal behavior

Answer 6

labeling theory

Question 7

crime and deviance result from an imbalance imbalance between the impulses toward criminal activity and the controls that deter it. the concept of broken windows

Answer 7

Control theory