5 - Deviance, Crime, and Social Control

Question 1

Cultural Transmission Theories

Answer 1

theories to explain deviance that posit deviance is learned behavior that is culturally transmitted through socialization. (123)

Question 2

Career Deviance

Answer 2

in labeling theory, the deviant behavior that a person adopts in response to the reaction of others to his or her primary deviance, also called secondary deviance. (124)

Question 3

Conformity

Answer 3

a mode of adaptation in anomie theory where the individual accepts culturally approved goals and the culturally approved means to achieve them. (121)

Question 4

Anomie Theory

Answer 4

a functionalist theory to explain deviance developed by Robert K. Merton which posits that inconsistencies and contradictions in the social system precipitate many forms of deviance and crime. (121)

Question 5

Biological Approach

Answer 5

a view that deviance arises, at least in part, from a person’s physical or biological makeup. (120)

Question 6

Differential Association Theory

Answer 6

a cultural transmission theory developed by Edwin Sutherland that states deviant behavior is learned in interaction with other people, for the most part within intimate primary groups such as families and peer groups. (123)

Question 7

Alcoholism

Answer 7

the abuse of alcohol, a dependence on the substance by people who drink more than is socially acceptable in their group or whose drinking has damaged their health, social relationships, or job performance. (127)

Question 8

Secondary Deviance

Answer 8

in labeling theory, the deviant behavior that a person adopts in response to the reaction of others to his or her primary deviance, also called career deviance. (124)

Question 9

Ritualism

Answer 9

a mode of adaptation in anomie theory where the individual almost compulsively accepts the culturally approved means but does not use them to achieve cultural goals. (121)

Question 10

Mala Prohibita

Answer 10

an act that is “bad because it is prohibited,” such as parking violation and minor tax evasion. (126)

Question 11

Mala in se

Answer 11

an act that is “bad in and of themselves,” such as rape, homicide, and assault. (126)

Question 12

Psychological Approach

Answer 12

a perspective that views deviance as being the result of some personality disorder or maladjustment that develops, often during childhood. (120)

Question 13

Deviance

Answer 13

behaviors or characteristics that violate important group norms and as a consequence are reacted to with social disapproval. (119)

Question 14

Rebellion

Answer 14

a mode of adaptation in anomie theory when people reject both the socially approved goals and socially approved means to achieve them and then seek to replace them with alternative goals and means. (122)

Question 15

Cybercrime

Answer 15

crime that is committed with the aid of networked communication devices, such as computers, and has become very costly and disriptive in normal social life. (130)

Question 16

Innovation

Answer 16

a mode of adaptation in anomie theory where people pursue cultural goals through illegal or other socially disapproved means. (121)

Question 17

anomie

Answer 17

inconsistencies and confusion in a social system created by teaching people to strive for certain goals but not providing them the culturally approved means necessary to attain these goals.

Question 18

Retreatism

Answer 18

a mode of adaptation in anomie theory where the individual rejects both the culturally approved goals and the legitimate means for achieving them. (121)

Question 19

Primary Deviance

Answer 19

in labeling theory, the violation of social norms in which a person is not caught or is excused rather than labeled deviant. (124)

Question 20

Labeling Theory

Answer 20

a theory based on the premise that whether other people define or label a person as deviant is a critical determinant in the development of a pattern of deviant behavior. (123-124)

Question 21

Crime

Answer 21

an act that violates a criminal code that has been enacted by an officially constituted political authority. (126)