Chapter 2: Explaining the Act of Deviance

Question 0

Manifest vs. latent funtions

Answer 0

Manifest: intended and recognized
Latent: unintentional

Question 1

Characteristic of positivist theories

Answer 1

Existence of an objective reality

Question 2

Anomie Theory

Answer 2

Durkheim: deviance is functional up to a point, but if deviance exceeds this point it may be due to anomie (normlessness as a result of rapid social change)

Question 3

Mechanical Solidarity vs. Organic Solidarity

Answer 3

Bond by similarities vs. being more different than similar

Question 4

Anomie and Strain

Answer 4

Merton: anomie occurs when there is a gap between institutionalized goals and legitimate means, resulting in a greater focus on goals than means (deinstitutionalization of the means) ; blocked opportunities cause strain

Question 5

Merton’s 4 modes of adaptation

Answer 5

conformity (acceptance of goals/means), innovation (acceptance of goals/alternative means), ritualism (rejection of goals/acceptance of means), retreatism (rejection of goals/means), rebellion (substitution of goals/means)

Question 6

Differential Opportunity Theory

Answer 6

Cloward and Ohlin: people are more likely to become deviant if those are the opportunities presented to them

Question 7

Criminal vs. Retreatist vs. Conflict gangs

Answer 7

Criminal: financial gain
Retreatist: people who retreat into drug and alcohol abuse due to failure at both legitimate and illegitimate opportunities
Conflict: fight for status and power in unstable/transient communities

Question 8

General Strain Theory

Answer 8

Agnew: strain must be accompanied by negative affect (emotion)

Question 9

Status Frustration Theory

Answer 9

Cohen: middle-class structure of classroom results in rebellion of low-class boys

Question 10

Mutual conversion

Answer 10

Phenomenon where lower-class boys join together due to status frustration in middle-class classrooms

Question 11

Reaction formation

Answer 11

Development of oppositional standards which lower-class boys are able to and willing to meet

Question 12

Differential Association Theory

Answer 12

Sutherland: deviance is the result of intimate relationships with those who are deviant

Question 13

Neutralization Theory

Answer 13

Sykes and Matza: techniques are used to rationalize deviance (denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of victim, condemnation of the condemner, appealing to higher loyalties)

Question 14

Social Bonds Theory

Answer 14

Hirschi: attachment, commitment, involvement and belief influence someone’s likelihood to become deviant