Question 1

When Becker suggests that society creates deviance he means that

Accepted Answer

Becker's theory of labeling posits that deviance is not inherent in any act, but rather the result of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an "offender." The society creates the rules that define what is considered deviant and then labels those who engage in such behavior as deviants.

Question 2

Labeling theory holds that deviance is not a quality of the act because it

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that deviance is not inherent in any act but is instead the result of the labels applied by society to individuals who are seen as deviant. This perspective emphasizes the role of societal reaction and the application of rules and sanctions by others, rather than the act itself or the individual's personality, in defining deviance.

Question 3

Labeling theory suggests that the primary thing deviants have in common is

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory focuses on the significance of labels and how being labeled as a deviant or criminal can influence an individual's self-identity and behavior. It suggests that the act of labeling someone as deviant can lead to further deviant behavior, emphasizing the role of societal reaction rather than the individual's actions or characteristics.

Question 4

Labeling theory points out that there is much variability to how others may respond to a given act as deviant, including all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory in sociology focuses on the social reactions to deviance and emphasizes the significance of identity, social interaction, and the social construction of deviance. It does not inherently concern itself with the procedural aspects of evidence and investigation, which are more relevant to the criminal justice system than to the sociological understanding of labeling and deviance. Choices A, B, and D all relate to the social and contextual factors that influence how an act is labeled as deviant, which aligns with the principles of labeling theory.

Question 5

Becker, citing Hughes' distinction between master and subordinate statuses, to explain

Accepted Answer

Becker, drawing on Hughes' concept, explains that individuals are often identified mainly by their deviant status, overshadowing other aspects of their identity. This is a key point in labeling theory, which suggests that being labeled as deviant can become a master status, dominating how others see the individual and how the individual sees themselves.

Question 6

According to Becker, being labeled as deviant has important consequences

Accepted Answer

Becker's labeling theory suggests that being labeled as deviant significantly affects individuals, impacting their social participation, self-image, and public identity.

Question 7

Discuss the consequences of labeling theory's emphasis on the labeling process, rather than the violation of a norm, as the starting point for the study of deviance. Give an example of how you would apply labeling theory in examining a concrete case of deviance. What do you see as the strengths and weakness of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the consequences of labeling theory's emphasis...

Question 8

Becker suggests that branding someone as a deviant carries strong consequences for the person labeled deviant in terms of a new master status. Explain how this is the case. Why is this a problem or issue, according to labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Becker suggests that branding someone as a...

Question 9

Explain why Becker distinguishes rule-breaking behavior and the use of the label deviant. Provide and explain an example of rule-breaking behavior that does not result in the label of deviance, and conversely explain how the label of deviant may be applied without there having been rule-breaking behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why Becker distinguishes rule-breaking behavior and...

Quiz 3: Labeling Theory