Deviance Flashcards
(20 cards)
Definition of Deviance
What is deviance in sociology?
Deviance is behavior that significantly departs from societal norms, varying by cultural context.
Social Construction of Deviance
How is deviance socially constructed?
Deviance is not inherent; it is defined by social norms and varies across cultures and contexts.
Functionalist Perspective
What is the functionalist view on deviance?
Deviance is natural and necessary, clarifying norms, promoting social unity, and enabling social change.
Durkheim’s View on Deviance
What did Durkheim believe about deviance?
Deviance serves positive functions by reinforcing norms and promoting social cohesion.
Merton’s Strain Theory
What are the five modes of adaptation in Merton’s strain theory?
Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, Rebellion.
Conflict Theory on Deviance
What does conflict theory assert about deviance?
Deviance reflects social inequality, with the powerful defining norms to maintain control.
Symbolic Interactionism
What is the symbolic interactionist view on deviance?
Deviance arises from social interactions and interpretations rather than being inherent.
Labeling Theory
What is labeling theory, according to Howard Becker?
Deviance is not inherent in an act but is a result of societal reaction and labeling.
Primary and Secondary Deviance
What is the difference between primary and secondary deviance?
Primary deviance is minor and does not affect identity, while secondary deviance shapes one’s identity after labeling.
Differential Association Theory
What did Edwin Sutherland propose in differential association theory?
Deviance is learned through interactions with others who engage in deviant behavior.
Social Control Theory
What is Hirschi’s social control theory?
Deviance occurs when social bonds are weakened or absent, reducing conformity pressure.
Techniques of Neutralization
What are techniques of neutralization?
Strategies individuals use to justify deviant acts, such as denial of responsibility or victim.
Social Disorganization Theory
What does social disorganization theory state about deviance?
Deviance arises from the breakdown of social institutions like family, education, and community.
Anomie
What is anomie according to Durkheim?
A state of normlessness where societal norms break down, often during social upheaval.
Types of Crime
What are the main types of crime discussed?
Violent crime, property crime, white-collar crime, and victimless crime.
Social Control
What are formal and informal social controls?
Formal controls involve laws and regulations; informal controls include social norms and peer pressure.
Total Institutions
What did Erving Goffman describe as total institutions?
Institutions like prisons or asylums that isolate and reshape individual identity.
Medicalization of Deviance
What does medicalization of deviance mean?
Framing deviant behavior as a medical issue rather than a moral failing.
Crime Statistics
What is the role of crime statistics in understanding deviance?
Crime statistics help quantify deviant acts but can be biased by reporting practices.
Stigma
What is stigma according to Goffman?
A powerful negative label that alters self-identity and societal perception.
