Deviance Reviewer Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is deviance?
Behavior that is contrary to the dominant norms of society, usually warranting disapproval from the majority. Deviance can be criminal or non-criminal.
What are the characteristics of deviance?
Deviance is universal, socially defined, and contextual.
What are the types of deviance?
Deviance can be classified as formal (violation of laws) or informal (violation of social norms).
What is the positive perspective on deviance?
It includes absolutism, objectivism, and determinism, viewing deviance as real, observable, and determined by external forces.
What are the three assumptions of the positivist perspective?
- Deviance is absolutely real. 2. Deviance is an observable object. 3. Deviance is determined by external forces.
What is the constructionist perspective on deviance?
It includes relativism, subjectivism, and voluntarism, viewing deviance as a label, a subjective experience, and a voluntary act.
What are norms?
Expectations of conduct in particular situations that regulate human social relations and behavior.
What are proscriptive and prescriptive norms?
Proscriptive norms tell people what they should not do, while prescriptive norms tell them what they ought to do.
What is social control?
Means by which social groups deal with behavior that violates social norms.
What are sanctions?
Social reactions to behavior; negative sanctions discourage deviance, while positive sanctions encourage conformity.
What is socialization?
The process by which members of society acquire the skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, and motives necessary to perform social roles.
What is role strain?
Conflict that arises when an individual faces multiple roles.
What is the functionalism theory of deviance?
It suggests understanding society by examining the function of its components.
What is the anomie theory?
It traces deviance to tensions caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means available to achieve them.
What are the five categories of Merton’s classification?
- Conformists 2. Ritualists 3. Innovators 4. Retreatists 5. Rebels.
What is labeling theory?
Behaviors are considered deviant only when society labels them as such.
What is social control theory?
Deviance occurs when a person’s attachment to social bonds is weakened.
What is differential association theory?
Criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.
What is social disorganization theory?
Crime is more likely in communities with weak social ties and absence of social control.
What is conflict theory?
Focuses on the origins of rules rather than deviant behavior.
What is deterrence theory?
People choose to obey or violate the law based on perceived gains and consequences.
What are the two types of deterrence?
General deterrence prevents crime in the general population; specific deterrence targets individual offenders.
What is abnormal psychology?
Focuses on biological and physiological factors as causes of abnormal behavior.
What is major depressive disorder?
Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, requiring at least five symptoms for diagnosis.
