Chapter 3- Deviance Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is deviance? What four factors affect whether something is considered deviant?
Deviance is behaviour that violates the standards of conduct or expectations of a group or society.
Location: talking loudly in church vs. talking loudly at a party
Age: a 5 year old crying in a supermarket vs. a teenager crying in a supermarket
Social status: a celebrity can skip to the front of the line to get into a club vs. a non-celebrity trying to do the same
Individual societies: in North America being overweight may be seen as deviant vs. other cultures that may see thinness as deviant
What does stigma mean?
Stigma is a negative social attitude or belief that leads to discrimination or devaluation of a person or group based on a characteristic, trait, or condition.
Describe the two types of social control (internal and external).
Internal social control – is developed during the socialization process and lies with the individual. You are practising internal social control when you do something because you know it is the right thing to do or when you don’t do something because you know it would be wrong.
External social control – is based on social sanctions. Positive sanctions, such as smiles, words of approval and awards are used to encourage conformity. Negative sanctions, such as criticisms, fines and imprisonment, are intended to stop socially unacceptable behaviour.
What is cancel culture?
Cancel culture is a social phenomenon where individuals or groups are boycotted or publicly shamed—often on social media—for behavior or statements considered offensive or unacceptable.
What is the functionalist perspective on deviance? How is it positive or negative?
Functionalist Perspective on Deviance:
According to functionalists, deviance is a common part of human existence, with both positive and negative consequences for society.
Negative – Deviance can erode trust; a society with suspicion and distrust cannot function smoothly. If not punished or corrected, deviance can cause more nonconforming behaviour.
Positive – Punishments established within a culture help to define acceptable behaviour. Ex: a parent loses their child due to neglect – shows how parents need to act.
What is the labelling theory of deviance?
Labelling theory suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act but results from how society labels certain behaviors or individuals as deviant.
What is the conflict perspective of deviance? What is the conflict perspective in terms
of crime?
Based on the marxist idea that in a capitalist society, the criminal justice system protects the power and privilege of the upper class. The upper class passes laws designed to benefit themselves, which are detrimental to the working class. Both groups commit acts of deviance, but the system that capitalists created, defines deviance differently for each group.
The activities of poor and lower-income individuals are more likely to be defined as criminal than those of people from middle and upper income backgrounds. Ex – welfare fraud =criminal charges, professionals committing fraud = disciplinary action from a committee of their peers. Conflict theorists also believe that the criminal justice system treats suspects differently on the basis of their racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Describe Robert Merton’s theory regarding deviance and subcultures. What are the
5 different types of subcultures?
Robert Merton’s theory of deviance, known as Social Strain Theory, explains how social structures can pressure individuals to deviate from societal norms. He believed that society promotes certain cultural goals (like success or wealth) and provides approved means to achieve them (such as education or hard work). However, when individuals or groups are unable to achieve these goals through accepted means, they may experience strain, leading them to find alternative ways of reaching those goals—or rejecting them altogether. This is where deviance and the formation of subcultures come in. Merton saw deviance not just as rule-breaking but as a response to the gap between goals and means. Subcultures can emerge as people seek belonging and identity outside mainstream society, especially when they feel alienated or disconnected from it.
Merton identified five types of deviant behavior, which can also be seen as types of subcultures:
- Conformists – These individuals accept both society’s cultural goals and the approved means of achieving them. They follow the rules and try to succeed within the system (e.g., lawyers, doctors).
- Ritualists – They follow society’s accepted means (such as holding a steady job or following rules) but no longer strive for the cultural goals (like wealth or status). They go through the motions without aiming for “success.”
- Innovators – They accept society’s goals but use unapproved or unconventional means to achieve them. Innovators often create new paths and may challenge the system (e.g., entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs).
-Retreatists – These individuals reject both society’s goals and the approved means. They withdraw from mainstream culture entirely and often live in alternative communities (e.g., 1960s hippies).
- Rebels – Rebels reject both the cultural goals and the accepted means, but instead of withdrawing, they seek to replace them with new goals and systems. They aim to change or revolutionize society (e.g., Occupy Wall Street protestors).
What does Emile Durkheim use the word “anomie” to describe? What are negative
and positive effects of alienation?
Emile Durkheim used the word “anomie” to describe a state of normlessness or a breakdown of social norms and values. He believed anomie occurs when society undergoes rapid change or when individuals feel disconnected from the collective conscience (shared values and norms). This can lead to feelings of confusion, purposelessness, and isolation, often increasing the risk of problems like crime, deviance, or even suicide.
Effects of Alienation:
Negative Effects:
Isolation: People may feel disconnected from others or from meaningful work.
Mental Health Issues: Alienation can lead to depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
Low Productivity: In workplaces, alienated workers may be less motivated or engaged.
Social Withdrawal: Individuals may detach from their communities or society at large.
Positive Effects:
Self-Reflection: Alienation can prompt individuals to question their role in society and seek personal growth.
Desire for Change: Feeling alienated can motivate people to challenge unfair systems or create social movements.
Creativity and Independence: Some people may use alienation as a chance to explore new ideas or paths outside mainstream expectations.
What are positive and negative aspects of conformity?
Positive: Promotes social harmony, cooperation, and order.
Negative: Can suppress individuality, encourage harmful behaviors, or maintain injustice.
What is social stratification? What are closed systems and open systems
of stratification?
Social stratification is the ranking of people in society based on factors like wealth, status, and power, leading to inequality.
Closed systems:
• Little or no social mobility
• Status is fixed at birth (ascribed)
• Examples: caste system, slavery
Open systems:
• Social mobility is possible
• Status is earned through effort (achieved)
• Example: class system in modern societies
What is the caste system?
A caste system is a rigid social hierarchy where people’s status is inherited and fixed for life, often based on birth and traditionally found in India.
What was apartheid?
Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa (1948–1994) that oppressed non-white citizens.
What is human trafficking? Who are likely the victims? Who are the traffickers?
The exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sex.
Victims: Often women, children, migrants, or individuals in poverty
Traffickers: Can be individuals, gangs, or organized crime networks. Often take advantage of vulnerable populations
What is the class system and what does horizontal and vertical mobility refer to?
The class system is a social hierarchy based on income, occupation, education, and wealth.
Horizontal mobility: Changing jobs or roles within the same class level
Vertical mobility: Moving up or down the class ladder (e.g, from working to middle class).
In Canada how are the classes divided (name, describe, percentage)?
Upper Class- wealthy elites, major investors and business owners (1-3%)
Upper Middle Class- professionals, managers, high-level academics (10-15%)
Middle Class- Teachers, small business owners, skilled trades (30-35%)
Working Class- Blue-collar and lower paid white collar workers (30-35%)
Lower Class- Unemployed, underemployed, or in poverty (15-20%)
What is the LICO and what do the terms absolute and relative poverty mean?
LICO- Low- Income Cut-Off
A Canadian measure of poverty; income level below which family spends a larger share on necessities
Absolute poverty: lack of necessities (food, shelter)
Relative poverty: Poverty in relation to societal standards (can afford basics but not a normal standard of living)
What are 5 factors that influence social inequality? Describe them.
-Income and Wealth
Higher income and wealth provide better access to resources like healthcare, education, and housing.
Unequal distribution leads to class divisions and limits opportunities for low-income individuals.
-Education
Quality education improves job prospects and income potential.
Poor education access can trap individuals in cycles of poverty.
-Race and Ethnicity
Systemic racism and discrimination lead to unequal treatment in employment, housing, and justice.
Racialized groups often face social and economic barriers.
-Gender
Gender roles and discrimination create wage gaps and limit leadership opportunities.
Women and gender-diverse individuals often face inequality in the workplace and society.
-Geographic Location
People in rural or underdeveloped areas may lack access to quality services and infrastructure.
Location can affect education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
According to the Poor No More documentary, what are the flaws in Canada’s
current welfare system?
Benefits are cut when you get a job- some make more money on welfare
Unemployment/welfare doesn’t cover enough monthly expenses
The welfare department asks about your assets, wants you to use those first (sell car, cash in RSPs) and after that is done, gives you welfare.
If people get fired (not coming to work bc looking after sick child), they do not qualify for unemployment insurance
Some welfare recipients feel badly asking for it
The welfare agency can be like a business- keeps costs down with denials
What is public health care in Canada? What is the difference between public and
private health care?
Public health care is governed by the Canada Health Act. It’s designed to make sure that all eligible people in the country have reasonable access to insured health services on a prepaid basis, without direct charges at the point of service.
Private: anything beyond what the public system will pay for
Private room
An ambulance ride
Cosmetic surgery
Wait times and accessibility for those who can afford it are immediate
Argument for better health care
Public: universal, accessible, generally free from extra charges
Save money for the citizens
No fear- will get taken care of
Problems don’t get worse because we seek treatment when necessary
Equity is built in- universally accessible
What are the 12 social determinants of health? Briefly describe each.
- Income and Social Status
The higher a person’s income and social status - Employment and Working Conditions
People who are unemployed or underemployed are less likely to experience good health. - Education and Literacy
People who have a higher socioeconomic status are more likely to have post-secondary educational opportunities, and be able to earn degrees and certifications. - Childhood experiences
Childhood development sets people on a path towards good health or poor health and well-being. - Physical Environments
Exposure to unsafe levels of contaminants through water, food, air and soil can negatively affect health. - Social Supports and Social Skills
High levels of support from family, friends, and communities are associated with better health outcomes. - Healthy Behaviours
Our behaviours greatly affect our health. The resources available to us impact our access to options and will be drastically different for everyone. - Access to health services
Those who have access to healthcare services and have the funds to pay for services that are not free, will be healthier than those who can’t access services. - Biology and Genetic Endowment
Genetic endowment can predispose people to particular diseases or health problems. - Gender
Society tends to link different personality traits, attitudes, behaviours, values, and levels of power and influence to gender. - Culture
People who identify with cultures outside of the dominant culture of Canada can feel marginalized. - Race/Racism
Experiences of discrimination, racism and historical trauma are important social determinants of health for certain groups such as indigenous peoples, and black canadians.
Discuss how Indigenous people are affected by inequality in Canada.
Indigenous people in Canada are significantly affected by inequality in many areas of life due to a long history of colonization, systemic racism, and ongoing discrimination. They often face disparities in education, employment, income, housing, and healthcare compared to non-Indigenous Canadians. Many Indigenous communities lack access to quality schools and clean drinking water, and they experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and chronic illness. Additionally, Indigenous people are overrepresented in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. These inequalities are rooted in historical injustices such as residential schools, forced assimilation, and the loss of land and culture. Despite progress in recognizing Indigenous rights and promoting reconciliation, many barriers still exist, and achieving true equality requires continued efforts to address systemic issues and support Indigenous self-determination.
What is the red dress project?
The Red Dress Project is an art installation and awareness campaign that symbolizes and honors missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada and the U.S.
Describe Weber’s Theory on class, status and power.
Max Weber argued that social stratification is based on three components:
Class (economic position),
Status (social prestige),
Power (ability to influence others or control resources).
