Exam 2: Explaining Deviance: The Act

Despite his best efforts, Chris has been unemployed for more than two years. He has finally decided that there is no point in pursuing the "American Dream" anymore. He stops looking for a job, and sits at home drinking beer all day long. Which mode of adaptation is he engaging in?

Which of the following is a characteristic of positivist theories?

Which theory of deviance emphasizes self-control?

According to Agnew's general strain theory, strain must be accompanied by negative emotions in order for deviance to emerge.

Differentiate between the behavioural and the psychological measurements of self-control.

In her home, Sara has a sticker chart set up to know exactly which chores she is supposed to do. Each time she completes her work, so earns a sticker. Every time she forgets to do her chores, her parents put an X. Once she has ten stickers, she is allowed to have a friend over. This conditioning supports the ideas of which theory?

According to Emile Durkheim, a certain level of deviance is functional for society.

Which theories are the most concerned with the maintenance of the social order?

Learning to conform to social order by having students line up at school to go inside is an example of a manifest function.

Social Control theories postulate that deviant behaviour is inherently attractive, exciting and appealing. Given the appeal of deviant behaviour, explain how social bond theory explains restraint from deviant behaviour.

Jones and Quisenberry (2004)found that low levels of self-control are associated with antisocial deviant behaviours (e.g. risky driving)in some people, but with adventure-seeking behaviours (e.g. skydiving)in others.

Which theory does not identify deviance and criminality as lower-class phenomena?

In exploring how techniques of neutralization may vary across contexts, Buzzell (2005)found that fireworks consumers who lived where fireworks were illegal were more likely to agree with the statement that fireworks "don't really hurt anyone" than were consumers who lived where fireworks were legal.

In the social sciences multiple theories exist simultaneously.

Which of the following statements reflects Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime?

The examination of structural influences on people's ability to handle strain discussed in Agnew's General Strain Theory provides evidence that a strong social welfare system could bring the opportunity for more people to develop positive coping strategies and reduce deviance overall.

Positivist theories are fundamentally interested in explaining why people act in particular ways.

One of the weaknesses of Merton's strain theory, differential association theory, and Cohen's theory of status frustration is that they all traditionally identify deviance and criminality as lower-class phenomena.

Which of the following types of theories are utilized in the study of deviance?

Some individuals who download music illegally defend their actions by saying that the music industry makes more than enough profit from the pockets of consumers. Which technique of neutralization are these individuals using?