Chapter 1 - Determining Deviance

Question 1

What does the problem of definition refer to and how is it related to the objective/subjective dichotomy?

Answer 1

• among deviance specialists the study of deviance has historically been characterized by considerable disagreement over the concept of deviance
• they cannot agree on what deviance is
• older definitions of deviance (objectivist) have shifted to contemporary views (subjectivist)

Question 2

What is the core assumption underlying the objective side of the objective vs. subjective dichotomy?

Answer 2

• there is something inherent in a person, behavior, or characteristic that is necessarily deviant
• all deviants have something in common that enables us to recognize them, however this ‘deviant’ characteristic is hard to define

Question 3

What are the 4 different objective definitions of deviance?

Answer 3

1. Statistical Rarity
2. Harm
3. Norm Violation
4. Societal Reaction

Question 4

What are the limitations of objectivists using statistical rarity to define deviance?

Answer 4

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Question 5

What are the limitations of objectivists using harm to define deviance?

Answer 5

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Question 6

What are the limitations of objectivists using norm violation to define deviance?

Answer 6

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Question 7

What are the limitations of objectivists using societal reaction to define deviance?

Answer 7

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Question 8

What are the different views of the role of consensus in the development of criminal law text?

Answer 8

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Question 9

What are the different types of harm than can occur, according to those who define deviance on the basis of harm?

Answer 9

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