Question 1

When Becker suggests that society creates deviance he means that
A) society creates differential opportunities for members of different social classes.
B) society creates barriers to normative conformity through dysfunctional families and disorganized neighborhoods.
C) society creates the rules which define deviance and applies the label of deviant to those who are ultimately labeled deviant.
D) society creates deviant groups such as street gangs which foster deviant attitudes and lifestyles.

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
A) is the result of personality factors associated with committing deviance.
B) is the result of the application by others of rules and sanctions to one labeled deviant.
C) is a consequence of the violation of the criminal code and being caught.
D) reflects a condition of anomie for those trapped in social structure.

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
A) common background factors such as low IQs, personality issues, family problems, and/or low social class.
B) a common history of previous deviant behavior in their background.
C) commission of a deviant act and subsequent arrest.
D) they share a deviant label and the experience of being labeled as an outsider.

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
A) variation over time.
B) who commits the act and who feels they have been harmed by it.
C) when there is enough evidence to warrant an investigation.
D) only if the act results in certain consequences deemed serious.

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
A) the tendency to define a person's identity primarily in terms of their deviant status.
B) whenever a person is labeled deviant they become subordinate to others.
C) how physicians and other people of high status are masters of their own fate.
D) the fact that members of minority groups are more likely to be labeled deviant.

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
A) for society which must ensure there are adequate rehabilitation programs.
B) for families who must learn to do without their loved one now in prison.
C) for police investigators who must be sure their case holds up in a court proceeding.
D) for individuals who face important consequences regarding their subsequent social participation, self-image and public identity.

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

When Becker suggests that society creates deviance he means that

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

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

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

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

According to Becker, being labeled as deviant has important consequences

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?