Sociology -- Chapter Five

The correct answer is "an act that violates a criminal code that has been enacted by an officially constituted political authority." This means that a crime is an act that goes against the laws that have been established by a legitimate governing body. It is not simply an act that is considered bad in itself or prohibited, but specifically one that breaks the laws set by a recognized authority. It is also not solely determined by the stigmatization of certain groups.

According to psychological approaches to deviance, deviance is believed to result from some personality disorder or maladjustment that typically develops during childhood. These approaches focus on individual psychological factors, such as personality traits, mental illness, or childhood experiences, as the main causes of deviant behavior. They emphasize the role of internal factors in explaining deviance, rather than external social or environmental factors.

The labeling theory approach to understanding mental illness suggests that the symptoms of mental illness arise when individuals conform to the expectations of how they think a mentally ill person should behave. This means that people may exhibit symptoms of mental illness because they believe that is how they are supposed to behave based on societal perceptions and stereotypes. This perspective emphasizes the role of societal labeling and stigmatization in shaping the experience and expression of mental illness.

Alcohol is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the United States due to its legal status and accessibility. It is consumed by a large portion of the population and is ingrained in social and cultural activities. The availability of alcohol in various forms and settings contributes to its widespread use. Additionally, its effects on the central nervous system, such as relaxation and euphoria, make it a popular choice for altering mood.

The correct answer suggests that when biology does play a role in deviance, it is not the sole cause but rather one contributing factor. This implies that other factors, such as psychological, cultural, and environmental influences, also play a significant role in understanding deviant behavior. This answer acknowledges the complexity of deviance and highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when explaining its occurrence.

Syndicates are commonly associated with organized crime. Organized crime refers to criminal activities that are coordinated and controlled by a group or syndicate. These groups often engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and human trafficking. Syndicates play a significant role in organizing and managing these criminal operations, often operating in a hierarchical structure with clear roles and responsibilities.

Conflict theorists argue that certain characteristics of capitalism contribute to the causes of crime and deviance. Capitalism is an economic system that prioritizes profit and individualism, which can lead to inequality, competition, and exploitation. These conditions can create social and economic disparities, lack of opportunities, and alienation, which in turn can increase the likelihood of individuals engaging in criminal or deviant behavior. Conflict theorists believe that the structural inequalities and power imbalances inherent in capitalism create a fertile ground for crime and deviance to thrive.

The sociological approach to deviance emphasizes that deviance is not an inherent quality of an action or behavior, but rather a social construct that is determined by the judgments and norms of specific groups of people. This perspective recognizes that what may be considered deviant in one social context may not be seen as deviant in another. Therefore, deviance is not viewed as a universal or absolute concept, but rather as a product of social interactions and societal norms.

The text recommends various strategies to combat crime and delinquency, such as reducing poverty, legalizing some victimless crimes, promoting personal responsibility among prison inmates, and encouraging fuller employment. However, it does not suggest giving longer prison sentences for most crimes as a solution.