Chapter 6 Deviance And Social Control: Quick Quiz

1.

Among sociologists there is ______.

A.

Much involvement in illegal deviant behavior
B.

Little interest in the study of deviance
C.

Widespread agreement about what behavior should be considered deviant
D.

A lack of consensus about what behavior should be seen as deviant

Correct Answer
D. A lack of consensus about what behavior should be seen as deviant

Explanation
Sociologists do not have a widespread agreement about what behavior should be considered deviant. This means that there is a lack of consensus among sociologists regarding what behavior should be seen as deviant.

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2.

According to the labeling theory, deviance is ______.

A.

A label imposed by others upon a given behavior
B.

A property inherent in the actor
C.

A label created by the person who commits a deviant act
D.

An objective reality

Correct Answer
A. A label imposed by others upon a given behavior

Explanation
According to the labeling theory, deviance is a label imposed by others upon a given behavior. This theory suggests that individuals become deviant when labeled as such by society. The label then becomes a significant part of their identity and can influence their future behavior. The labeling theory emphasizes the importance of social reactions and interactions in defining and shaping deviant behavior.

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3.

According to opportunity theory, ______.

A.

Society discourages the individual from engaging in deviant behavior
B.

Deviance or conformity arises from the relative opportunity structure that frames a person’s life
C.

Society has no impact on human biological impulses
D.

Individuals freely choose to partake in deviant behavior

Correct Answer
B. Deviance or conformity arises from the relative opportunity structure that frames a person’s life

Explanation
According to opportunity theory, deviance or conformity arises from the relative opportunity structure that frames a person's life. This means that individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior if they perceive that the opportunities for achieving their goals through legitimate means are limited. On the other hand, if individuals have access to opportunities that align with societal norms and values, they are more likely to conform. In this theory, society plays a significant role in shaping individual behavior by providing or restricting opportunities for success.

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4.

According to the conflict explanation of deviance, the cause of deviance can be traced to ______.

A.

The gap between the goals of success and the means of achieving them
B.

The breakdown of the family and other social controls
C.

The presence of diverse cultural groups in American society
D.

The exploitative nature of capitalism

Correct Answer
D. The exploitative nature of capitalism

5.

Feminist theorists argue that most theories of deviance ______.

A.

Stereotype women
B.

Are only about men
C.

Call for the exploitation of women by men
D.

Are not related to gender

Correct Answer
B. Are only about men

Explanation
Feminist theorists argue that most theories of deviance are only about men. This means that these theories focus solely on male behavior and fail to consider the experiences and actions of women. Feminist theorists argue that this narrow focus perpetuates stereotypes and ignores the unique ways in which women may engage in deviant behavior or be affected by societal norms and expectations. By highlighting the gender bias in these theories, feminist theorists aim to bring attention to the importance of considering gender in the study of deviance.

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6.

One characteristic of white-collar criminals is that they see themselves as respectable persons maintaining a non criminal self image. They do this by use of ______.

A.

Techniques of neutralization
B.

Forgery
C.

Labeling
D.

Leading a double life

Correct Answer
A. Techniques of neutralization

Explanation
White-collar criminals maintain a non-criminal self-image by using techniques of neutralization. These techniques allow them to rationalize and justify their illegal actions by minimizing the harm caused or shifting blame onto others. By employing these techniques, white-collar criminals can convince themselves that their actions are justified and that they are still respectable individuals. This helps them maintain their self-image and avoid feelings of guilt or shame associated with criminal behavior.

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7.

The difference between sociological and psychological theories to explain deviance is that ______.

A.

Sociological explanations focus on factors outside the individual, and psychological explanations address conditions within the individual
B.

Psychological explanations are based on genetics while sociologist focus on personality
C.

Only psychological explanations are accepted by the medical community
D.

Sociological explanations are more accurate

Correct Answer
A. Sociological explanations focus on factors outside the individual, and psychological explanations address conditions within the individual

Explanation
Sociological explanations focus on factors outside the individual, such as social norms, cultural values, and social structures, to explain deviance. These theories emphasize how social factors influence an individual's behavior and choices. On the other hand, psychological explanations address conditions within the individual, such as personality traits, cognitive processes, and mental health, to understand deviance. These theories explore how individual characteristics and experiences contribute to deviant behavior. By considering external and internal factors, sociological and psychological theories provide complementary perspectives in explaining deviance.

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8.

Thomas Szasz argues that mental illness is neither mental nor illness. He claims that a mental illness is a physical illness or that a person ______.

A.

Lacks coping skills or is using inappropriate coping skills
B.

Is using behaviors for attention
C.

Is apathetic
D.

Lacks ability to function in society

Correct Answer
A. Lacks coping skills or is using inappropriate coping skills

Explanation
Thomas Szasz argues that mental illness is neither mental nor illness. He claims that a mental illness is a physical illness or that a person lacks coping skills or is using inappropriate coping skills. According to Szasz, mental illness is not a genuine medical condition but rather a result of inadequate coping mechanisms or the use of ineffective coping strategies. This perspective challenges the traditional understanding of mental illness and emphasizes the importance of developing healthy coping skills for mental well-being.

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9.

The two most common victims of hate crimes in the United States are ______.

A.

African Americans and American Jews
B.

Muslims and African American
C.

Male homosexuals and Jews
D.

Whites and people with disabilities

Correct Answer
A. African Americans and American Jews

Explanation
The correct answer is African Americans and American Jews. Hate crimes are criminal acts that are motivated by prejudice and discrimination against a particular group. African Americans and American Jews have historically been targeted by hate crimes due to their race and religion respectively. These communities have faced systemic discrimination and have been victims of hate crimes throughout history.

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10.

A specific form of deviance that involves the violation of rules that have been written into law is called ______.

A.

Shunning
B.

A morals violation
C.

Crime
D.

Shaming

Correct Answer
C. Crime

Explanation
The correct answer is "Crime". Crime refers to a specific form of deviance that involves the violation of rules that have been written into law. It encompasses a wide range of illegal activities that are punishable by the legal system. This can include actions such as theft, assault, fraud, and many others. Crimes are considered more serious forms of deviance as they directly violate established laws and regulations.

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