Deck 11: The Constructionist Stance

Question 1

Berger and Luckmann (1966) in a book on the sociology of knowledge introduced the concept of

A) labeling theory.
B) social construction.
C) social interaction.
D) social problems.

Answer 1

social construction.

Question 2

Labeling theory, a popular approach to studying deviance in the 1960s, came under attack from all of the following EXCEPT

A) social constructionists.
B) conflict theory.
C) feminist theory.
D) gay activists.

Answer 2

social constructionists.

Question 3

In response to attacks on labeling theory, Kitsuse (1977) and others

A) emphasized conflict theory could not explain deviant social interaction.
B) began a new emphasis on power in the study of deviant social interaction.
C) acknowledged labeling theory must be sensitive to gender issues.
D) began to study the construction of social problems.

Answer 3

began to study the construction of social problems.

Question 4

Kitsuse (1977) redefined the study of

A) social deviance as a form of institutional interaction often involving power elites.
B) social problems as a form of male domination as predicted by feminist theory.
C) social deviance as a majority-minority interaction between interest groups.
D) social problems as claims that particular conditions be viewed as public issues and to study the claims makers.

Question 5

The new constructionist approach to the study of social problems offered all of the following advantages EXCEPT

A) competitive advantage in that no competing theories of social problems existed.
B) flexibility in terms of the study of various actors involved.
C) a greater sensitivity to women's concerns and issues of patriarchy.
D) flexibility to criticize some claims as distorted or unfounded.

Question 6

Medicalization refers to the

A) definition of deviance as a form of illness requiring medical treatment.
B) social construction of medicine.
C) definition of key medical and health issues related to poverty.
D) process whereby a society enjoys a low rate of illness and death.

Question 7

Discuss 1970s criticisms of the 1960s labeling theory approach to studying deviance. Do you think these criticisms had merit? Why or why not?

Question 8

Discuss the constructionist approach to studying social problems. What are the advantages of this redefinition of social problems? Are there any disadvantages that you can think of?

Question 9

Explain what changes occurred in the study of deviance when social constructionists shifted their attention in the 1970s to the claims makers rather than on the labeling of deviance.