Question 1

To explain the relationship between social class and the types of crime committed by people in different social classes in the U.S., Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin point out that different ___________encourage different types of crimes committed.

Accepted Answer

Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin argue that different illegitimate opportunity structures in society encourage different types of crimes committed by people in different social classes. This concept is central to their theory on how access to illegitimate means influences the type of criminal behavior individuals engage in.

Question 2

Emile Durkheim felt that deviance clarified moral boundaries and affirmed norms, promoted social unity, and promoted social change. What was his conclusion regarding social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim concluded that deviance is functional for a society because it clarifies moral boundaries, affirms norms, promotes social unity, and encourages social change.

Question 3

The police, courts, and prisons that deal with people who are accused of committing crimes make up the ________system.

Accepted Answer

The criminal justice system is the network of government institutions and agencies responsible for law enforcement, legal proceedings, and corrections related to criminal offenses.

Question 4

Ronald is a student who has not studied for a test, but he still wants to do well. He has decided to sit next to the best student in the class and copy her paper. According to Merton's description of responses to strain, which one best describes Ronald's reaction?

Accepted Answer

Ronald's decision to cheat by copying from the best student in the class, despite not studying, is an example of Innovation according to Merton's strain theory. Innovation involves using unaccepted means to achieve culturally approved goals, in this case, doing well on a test.

Question 5

When people begin to label themselves as deviant and it becomes part of their self- concept, they are in the stage of ________deviance.

Accepted Answer

Secondary deviance occurs when an individual begins to accept the label of deviant and sees it as part of their identity, often leading to further deviance. This contrasts with primary deviance, which refers to the initial act of rule-breaking.

Question 6

Which are formal attempts to mark an individual with the status of an outsider?

Accepted Answer

Degradation ceremonies are formal attempts to mark an individual with the status of an outsider by publicly shaming or discrediting them.

Question 7

Rachel has been convicted of prostitution. She now considers herself as a prostitute and has started to hang around with other prostitutes. Her acts of prostitution would now be considered __________deviance.

Accepted Answer

Rachel's behavior is an example of secondary deviance, which occurs when an individual accepts the label of deviant and acts accordingly, often engaging in further deviant behavior and associating with others who are similarly labeled.

Question 8

Two police officers see a group of boys loitering outside of a convenience store. Based on the appearance, behaviour, and dress of the boys, the officers may or may not decide to ask them to leave. The officers are practicing_________ .

Accepted Answer

The officers are practicing police discretion, which refers to the power or authority given to police officers to make decisions based on their judgment and experience in the field. This includes decisions on when to enforce laws, whom to investigate, and whether to arrest.

Question 9

When are anti-sexist self-help groups for violent men most beneficial?

Accepted Answer

Anti-sexist self-help groups for violent men are most beneficial when the men are attending for the right reasons, as this indicates a genuine willingness to change and engage with the program's objectives.

Question 10

The process of labelling is extremely complex since it involves the self-concept and individual reactions. What is one result of negative labels?

Accepted Answer

Negative labels can significantly impact an individual's opportunities by either limiting or enhancing them, depending on the nature of the label and societal reactions to it. This can affect various aspects of life, including employment, education, and social relationships.

Question 11

Emily wants to go to the prom, but she really can't afford a new dress. While she was shopping in the mall with her friends, she shoplifted a dress for the prom. This act of deviance by Emily would be considered _________ deviance by sociologist Edwin Lemert.

Accepted Answer

Primary deviance refers to minor, often temporary acts of deviance that do not result in a person being labeled as deviant. Emily's act of shoplifting, if it is an isolated incident, would be considered primary deviance.

Question 12

Which term is used by feminists to describe a sexual system of power in which the male possesses superior power and economic privilege?

Accepted Answer

Patriarchy is the term used by feminists to describe a system where males hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property, often reflecting a society in which men have authority over women and children.

Question 13

Which theorist would see the law as an instrument of repression and a tool designed to maintain the powerful in their privileged positions?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists view the law as a tool used by the powerful to maintain their dominance and control over less powerful groups, aligning with the idea of law as an instrument of repression.

Question 14

Which types of crimes have the highest economic costs?

Accepted Answer

White-collar crimes typically have the highest economic costs due to the large-scale financial frauds and embezzlements they often involve, affecting entire economies, companies, and numerous individuals.

Question 15

When a person commits fleeting acts that do not become part of the self-concept, what are these acts called?

Accepted Answer

Primary deviance refers to temporary, fleeting acts of deviance that do not impact an individual's self-concept or result in the individual being labeled as deviant by society. These acts are not integrated into the individual's identity.

Question 16

Ed has joined an outlaw motorcycle gang and wears scruffy, dirty clothes and only shaves once a week. Ed considers his status within the group more important than any other status he holds. What is Ed doing?

Accepted Answer

Ed is embracing deviance by adopting behaviors and appearances that are in line with the norms and values of the outlaw motorcycle gang, indicating a deliberate choice to align with a deviant identity within that specific social context.

Question 17

William was caught stealing a car and told the police and his friends he was only "borrowing" the car to have a little fun. Besides, he feels no one was really hurt by his act. Which technique of neutralization is William using?

Accepted Answer

William is using "Denial of injury" by suggesting that his actions did not cause harm to anyone, thus attempting to neutralize the moral seriousness of his act of stealing a car.

Question 18

Sarah is unemployed and has come to the conclusion that work and education are not helping her to reach success. Lately, Sarah has been getting intoxicated every night. This behaviour illustrates which of Merton's responses to strain?

Accepted Answer

Retreatism is the response to strain where an individual rejects both the cultural goals and the institutional means of achieving them, often retreating into alcohol or drug abuse. Sarah's behavior of getting intoxicated every night as a way to cope with her disillusionment with work and education aligns with this response.

Question 19

What is one of the best examples of a group that embraces deviance?

Accepted Answer

An outlaw biker gang is a classic example of a group that embraces deviance as part of its identity. These groups often pride themselves on living outside mainstream societal norms and laws, making them a clear example of a group that not only engages in deviant behavior but also celebrates it.

Question 20

Which theory is based on the idea that most people want to attain cultural goals, but not everyone has the legitimate ways of achieving them?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory, developed by Robert K. Merton, posits that society has culturally approved goals and socially approved means to achieve these goals. However, not everyone has equal access to these means, leading to strain or pressure that may result in deviant behavior as individuals seek alternative ways to achieve these goals.

Quiz 16: Crime and Social Deviance