Exam 7: Deviance and Crime

Although _____  theory has difficulty explaining why upper-class individuals commit crime, differential association theory, a type of _____ theory, is able to do so by characterizing deviance as learned.

The number of low-income women who commit crimes is increasing due to their low-wage position in the labor market.

Conflict theorists argue that

Explain what it means to say that "deviance is socially constructed." Illustrate your explanation with two examples from recent events.

The University of Chicago sociologist who defined deviance as a normal response to the social conditions rather than attributing it to individual character or personality is

From the conflict perspective on deviance, all of the following are true except

Explain Robert Merton's structural strain theory of deviance. Propose a study that a sociological researcher might conduct using this theory, constructing a one-statement hypothesis that could be tested for support.

The strength of the labeling theory is that it

A weakness of the conflict theory of deviance is its failure to recognize

A key element of the sociological definition of deviant behavior is that

Many mass shootings at schools, from Columbine to Sandy Hook to Virginia Tech to Umpqua Community College, end when the shooters commit suicide. The shooters were often socially marginalized, had tumultuous relationships with others and weak social networks, and sometimes saw their crimes as a way to be famous. Durkheim would most likely classify their suicides as

While stigma is easily earned, it is also fairly easy to shed. For example, a schoolchild who is labeled a troublemaker can easily come to be viewed as an outstanding community member.

Alcoholism has been punished by the legal system via laws against public inebriation and seen as a moral failing. However, it is now often responded to as a disease for which outpatient or even inpatient treatment is provided. This suggests that alcoholism has been

Conflict theorists argue that the law is generally neutral and fair in its form and implementation, favoring no single group's particular interests.

How do sociologists explain the fact that women have lower rates of egoistic suicide than men?

Durkheim believed that the causes of suicide were found in

Mia is strongly committed to the ideals of American financial life: an education to prepare her for a lucrative career, a good job, and financial success. Fortunately, she was able to attend college on a full-ride scholarship and lived at home so that when she found her job, she had no student debt to pay off. She believes that if she works hard, she will achieve financial success. Merton would describe Mia as being in a state of 

The term _____ crime refers to criminal activities by people of high social status who commit crime in the context of their occupation.

Officer Matthews sees two cars speed by. According to the meter, the drivers were each going ten miles per hour over the speed limit. One driver has light-colored skin, and the other has dark-colored skin. Officer Matthews pulls over the darker-skinned driver based his hunch that the driver must be up to no good despite there being no objective differences other than skin color. Matthews is using

U.S. adults are more likely to approve of the use of medically prescribed marijuana than they are likely to approve of marijuana for recreational use, indicating that, as sociologists claim, definitions of deviance depend on social context.