chapter 6, social structure theories

Question 1

stratification

Answer 1

grouping based on economic or social class and characterized by the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige

Question 2

social class

Answer 2

segment of the population whose members are at a relatively similar economic level and who share attitudes, values, norms, and an identifiable lifestyle

Question 3

market basket measure (MBM)

Answer 3

measure of low income based on the cost of a specific basket of goods and services representing a modest, basic, standard of living

Question 4

culture of poverty

Answer 4

a separate lower-class culture, characterized by apathy, cynicism, helplessness, and mistrust of social institutions such as schools, government agencies, and the police that is passed on through the generations

Question 5

underclass

Answer 5

the lowest social stratum in any country, whose members lack education and skills needed to function successfully in modern society

Question 6

social structure theory

Answer 6

the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a primary cause of crime

Question 7

social disorganization theory

Answer 7

branch of social structure theory that focuses on the breakdown of institutions such as a family, school, and employment in inner-city neighbourhoods

Question 8

strain theory

Answer 8

branch of social structure theory that sees crime as a function of the conflict between peoples goals and the means available to obtain them

Question 9

strain

Answer 9

the anger, frustration, and resentment experienced by people who believe their goals through legit means

Question 10

cultural deviance theory

Answer 10

branch of social structure theory that sees strains and social disorganization together resulting in a unique lower-class culture that conflicts with conventional social norms

Question 11

subculture

Answer 11

a set of values, beliefs, and traditions, are handed uniquely to a particular social class or group within a larger society

Question 12

cultural transmissions

Answer 12

processes whereby values, beliefs, and traditions are handed down from one generation to the next

Question 13

transitional neighborhood

Answer 13

an area undergoing a shift in population and structure, usually from middle class residential to lower class mixed use

Question 14

concentration effect

Answer 14

as working and middle class families flee inner city poor areas, the most disadvantaged population is consolidated in urban ghettos

Question 15

collective efficacy

Answer 15

social control exerted by cohesive community, based on mutual trust, including intervention in the supervision of children and maintenance or public order

Question 16

anomie

Answer 16

reflects a lack of norms or clear social standards. because of rapidly shifting moral values, the individual has few guides to what is socially acceptable

Question 17

anomie theory

Answer 17

anomie results when socially defined goals (wealth/power) are universally mandated but access to legit means (education/job opportunities) is stratified by class and status

Question 18

institutional anomie theory

Answer 18

anomie pervades modern culture because the drive for material wealth dominates and undermines social and community values

Question 19

american dream

Answer 19

goal of accumulations or material goods and wealth through individual competition: process or being socialized to pursue material success and to believe it is achievable. this goal is also applicable in canada

Question 20

general strain theory (GST)

Answer 20

view that multiple sources of strain interact with an individuals emotional traits and responses to produce criminality

Question 21

negative affective states

Answer 21

anger, frustration, and adverse emotions produced by a variety of sources of strain

Question 22

focal concerns

Answer 22

values such as toughness and street smarts, that have evolved specifically to fit conditions in lower-class environments

Question 23

delinquent subculture

Answer 23

a value system adopted by lower-class youths that is directly opposed to that of the larger society

Question 24

status frustration

Answer 24

form of culture conflict experienced by lower-class youths because social conditions prevent them from achieving success as defined by the larger society

Question 25

middle-class measuring rods

Answer 25

standards by which authority figures, such as teachers and employers, evaluate lower-class youngsters and often prejudge them negatively

Question 26

reaction information

Answer 26

irrational hostility evidenced by young delinquents, who adopt norms directly opposed to middle-class goals and standards that seem impossible to achieve

Question 27

differential opportunity

Answer 27

view that lower class youths, whose legit opportunities are limited, join gangs and pursuer criminal careers as alternative means to achieve the universal success goals