Midterm

Question 1

Positivism

Answer 1

Talked about by the theorist Augustine Comte. Positivism is the idea that we must rely on science and fact, and we can use these to understand deviance. He viewed deviance as a necessary thing for social evolution. We can calculate, observe, adn measure deviance. Discussed under the context of theories of deviance.

Question 2

Deviance

Answer 2

Straying from social norms and patterns, and committing socially unacceptable deeds. There is no one specific theorists attached to this. EXplored under the entire course, however, the specific definition is talked about in the chapter and context of defining deviance

Question 3

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer 3

Based on the work by george Herbert Mead. It focuses on the meaning behind peoples actions, and discusses how we make definitions for self and society. We discussed this theory under the context of subjectivist approaches to deviance.

Question 4

Conflict Theory

Answer 4

This theory discusses the idea that deviance occurs because of inequalities in society. A theory associated with Marx. We discussed it in relation to Social policy and under the idea of subjectavis approaches to deviance. An example of this could be people assuming that someone else must be a criminal because they are from a certain community.

Question 5

Manifest function

Answer 5

A manifest function is the recognized consequences of an action. We learned about it in context to Merton when discussing structural functionalism. An example of this could be if you murder someone, you go to prison.

Question 6

Latent Function

Answer 6

We learned about it in context to Merton when discussing structural functionalism. It refers to the unintended consequences of an action. For example, you may commit a criminal activity, and a latent function could be that you draw awareness to that injustice that you are facing that caused you to commit that crime.

Question 7

Retreatism

Answer 7

Comes from Merton’s strain theory. A form of escapism, where the person tries to reject both the institutionalized goals and legitimate means Th person retreats to their own isolated world. Discussed under the context of the objectivist approach to deviance. For example, someone may reject the conventional goal to success like gaining wealth.

Question 8

Ritualism

Answer 8

Comes from Merton’s strain theory. The person has given up on institutionalized goals but continues to participate in legitimate means. For example, someone may think they are never going anywhere in life, but continue to go to work every day.discussed under the objectivist approach to deviance.

Question 9

rebellion

Answer 9

Comes from Merton’s strain theory. Substitute new goals and new means. Discussed under the context under the objectivist approach to deviance.

Question 10

Innovators

Answer 10

Comes from Merton’s strain theory. Discussed under the context under the objectivist approach to deviance. Accepts the institutional goals but regrets the legitimate means. For example you may sell drugs to gain wealth.

Question 11

Inner Controls

Answer 11

Society influences individual behaviour, which maintains conformity. This is discussed in the context of social control. This is based on a theory by Thomas Hobbes. For example, if you do something different, people may gossip, so you are less likely to do something different

Question 12

Outer controls

Answer 12

These are external influences that affect people to maintain social conformity. For example, laws may influence peoples behavior. A theory by Thomas Hobbes. We discussed this in the context of social control.

Question 13

differential Association theory

Answer 13

A theory by Sutherland. This is the idea that criminal behavior is learned through engagement with others. We discussed this under the context of Objectivist approaches to crime and deviance.

Question 14

Social Bonds theory

Answer 14

focuses on how social structures influence individual and community development. It emphasizes social context in shaping humand behaviour. It was a theory by Vygotsky.

Question 15

Phrenology

Answer 15

A study by Gall. The behaviour of a person can be determined by the shape of their skull. Discussed under early theories of crime and deviance.

Question 16

Labelling theory

Answer 16

A theory by Becker. People have an identity imposed on them and it sticks. For example if you are labeled a drug addict, you remain a drug addict even if you no longer take drugs. We discussed this in the introduction to crime and deviance.

Question 17

Primary Deviance

Answer 17

A theory by Lemert. A type of deviance where the identity does not stick. Discussed in subjectivist approaches to deviance. For example,, you could skip school, you don’t get labeled as truant.

Question 18

Secondary Deviance

Answer 18

: A theory by Lemert. A type of deviance where the identity does stick. For example, a teenager may rob a store, and they would get labeled as a thief, and they may begin to accept that into their identity. Discussed in subjectivist approaches to deviance.

Question 19

Physiognomy

Answer 19

Designed by Lavater. He said the face reflects the natural goodness or evilness of a person. For example, people who are aggressive tend to show it through their face through their temper.

Question 20

Newsworthiness

Answer 20

A theory by Gauing and Ruge. They said that there are certain News value factors that influence the news. We discussed this in the context of deviance and media.