Question 1

Howard Becker's labeling theory argues that no act is deviant until a society labels it as deviant.Explain why Becker and other sociologists,like David Rosenhan,author of "On Being Sane in Insane Places," believe that labeling can have long-lasting effects on the individual who is labeled a deviant.

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The answer of Howard Becker's labeling theory argues that no...

Question 2

Chapter 6 describes several ways in which the Uniform Crime Report may present an inaccurate picture of the demographics of crime.Describe the sources of bias that lead to these inaccuracies.Are these biases better explained by conflict theory or functionalism? Justify your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chapter 6 describes several ways in which...

Question 3

Structural functionalists like Émile Durkheim believe that every aspect of a social structure does something to help maintain the stability of society.According to Durkheim,what are some of the so-called functions of deviance within a society?

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The answer of Structural functionalists like Émile Durkheim believe that...

Question 4

Individuals or groups labeled as deviant are often stigmatized.They acquire what Erving Goffman called a "spoiled identity," which devalues them and often excludes them from normal social interaction.Illustrate the different ways that stigmatized individuals and groups cope with their stigmatization.

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The answer of Individuals or groups labeled as deviant are...

Question 5

In his structural strain theory,Robert Merton argues that people who do not have the financial or cultural means to achieve the goals that society sets out for them (financial success,for example)are more likely to adopt deviant behavior.Explain the different ways in which,according to Merton,these people deal with their limited resources and express their deviant behavior.

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The answer of In his structural strain theory,Robert Merton argues...

Question 6

Conflict theorists believe that society's definition of deviance is designed in such a way that people with the most power will be seen as most "normal" and even idealized by the rest of society.Those with the least power will more often be considered deviant and subject to the negative sanctions that come with a deviant identity.Give two examples of how laws can target people with less power and label their behaviors or lifestyles as deviant.

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The answer of Conflict theorists believe that society's definition of...

Question 7

Let's say that a rash of thefts is occurring in a suburban neighborhood.It is determined that a group of teenage boys from the community has been stealing items from unlocked cars,and the perpetrators are caught within a few short weeks.According to the information in Chapter 6,which factors likely made them initial suspects? What factors made it more likely that they would behave in this way?

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The answer of Let's say that a rash of thefts...

Question 8

Robert Merton advanced the idea that labeling can bring about self-fulfilling prophecies or inaccurate beliefs that,if repeated loudly and frequently enough,can become true.Compare the ideas of Merton and those of sociologist Elijah Anderson who believed that a self-fulfilling prophecy has contributed to racial conflict in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Robert Merton advanced the idea that labeling...

Quiz 6: Deviance

Chapter 6 describes several ways in which the Uniform Crime Report may present an inaccurate picture of the demographics of crime.Describe the sources of bias that lead to these inaccuracies.Are these biases better explained by conflict theory or functionalism? Justify your answer.

Structural functionalists like Émile Durkheim believe that every aspect of a social structure does something to help maintain the stability of society.According to Durkheim,what are some of the so-called functions of deviance within a society?