Exam 7: Conformity, Deviance, and Crime

Identifying yourself as a criminal is called primary deviation.

What is the "chivalry thesis," and how is it used to explain the gender discrepancy in crime rates? Do you think this is an adequate explanation for the statistical differences? If so, show why it is superior to other theories. If not, discuss which theory is more compelling and why. Your answer should be one to two paragraphs in length.

Nonconformity to a set of norms accepted by a significant number of people in a community is called:

Victor Rios's work in the city of Oakland led him to conclude what about the relationship between the police and the student body? What strategies could you suggest to alleviate this problem? Answer in one paragraph.

MATCHING -Anomie

What word might Robert K. Merton use to characterize white-collar criminals?

Which of the following most accurately describes the number of people in U.S. prisons?

Which theory explains why focusing on minor crimes like traffic violations, drinking, or using illegal drugs in public underpinned proactive policing in the late 1980s and early 1990s?

Do you think the securitization of numerous public spaces across the United States has created a safer society? What is the view of Harvey Molotch? What are some possible alternatives to security systems? What alternatives does Molotch propose? What is your assessment of his proposals? Your answer should be one to two paragraphs in length.

According to differential association theory, which kind of person is more likely to be a delinquent?

Explain the basic premises of three of the following: Robert K. Merton's modified concept of anomie as strain on individual behavior, control theory, conflict theory, or Howard S. Becker's labeling theory. Based on your three choices, suggest one specific strategy each for reducing rates of traditional street crime. Your answer should be one to two paragraphs in length.

In 2011, the Occupy Wall Street movement drew large numbers of people to New York City to protest rising income inequality. To make their point, these protestors marched on the city streets, built tent cities where they lived and slept while the demonstrations were ongoing, and actively worked to disrupt the flow of life. In Robert K. Merton's view, these people would be what kind of deviants?

Could shaming be used to successfully reduce crime in the United States? Which type of shaming would be most useful and why? Use concrete examples of shaming in American society to illustrate your answer. Your answer should be one to two paragraphs in length.

In which categories of crime are men overwhelmingly the aggressors and women the victims? In the past, did the criminal justice system take seriously these offenses? How has this changed? Why might women not report sexual violence? Do you think these changes are enough? Discuss in particular the crime of rape. Answer in two to three paragraphs.

Which of the following statements best illustrates Howard S. Becker's labeling theory of deviance?

Labeling theory begins with a basic assumption that claims what? Give an example that makes this assumption clear. Answer in two to three sentences.

Traditionally, police work involved controlling crime. Increasingly, however, police officers are:

The National Crime Victimization Survey has found that compared to rates reported by official agencies, actual crime rates are:

In what ways are crimes against women comparable to crimes against gay men and lesbians? Explain. Your answer should be one to two paragraphs in length.

According to Robert K. Merton, what are the majority of people in society?