Question 1

What are the primary strengths and limitations for subjectivism and positivism?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivism and positivism are two contrasting philosophical approaches to understanding the nature of knowledge and truth. Each has its own set of strengths and limitations.

Subjectivism, as a philosophical approach, emphasizes the importance of individual perspectives and experiences in shaping knowledge and truth. Its primary strength lies in its recognition of the diversity of human experiences and the subjective nature of truth. Subjectivism allows for a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of different viewpoints and experiences. It also acknowledges the role of emotions and personal values in shaping one's understanding of the world.

However, subjectivism also has limitations. Its emphasis on individual perspectives can lead to relativism, where all beliefs and opinions are considered equally valid, regardless of evidence or reason. This can undermine the pursuit of objective truth and knowledge. Additionally, subjectivism may struggle to provide a coherent framework for making decisions or resolving conflicts when different subjective experiences and perspectives come into conflict.

On the other hand, positivism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. Its primary strength lies in its commitment to objectivity and the rigorous evaluation of evidence. Positivism has been instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and technological progress, providing a systematic and reliable method for understanding the world.

However, positivism also has limitations. Its exclusive focus on empirical evidence and scientific methods may overlook the importance of subjective experiences and values in shaping our understanding of the world. Positivism can also be criticized for its tendency to prioritize certain forms of knowledge over others, potentially marginalizing alternative ways of knowing and understanding.

In conclusion, both subjectivism and positivism have their own strengths and limitations. Subjectivism emphasizes the diversity of human experiences and the subjective nature of truth, but it may struggle to provide a coherent framework for resolving conflicts. Positivism prioritizes empirical evidence and scientific methods, but it may overlook the importance of subjective experiences and values. Understanding and acknowledging the strengths and limitations of each approach can help us develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of knowledge and truth.

Question 2

Describe, in your own words, a behavior you feel is clearly deviant OR a behavior society defines as deviant that you feel should not be considered as such. In your description make sure to tell why in either case. Then use a particular theory from one of the sociological perspectives you feel best explains this form of deviance (or "non" deviance, in your opinion). Be sure to explain in detail how the theory describes it, and DO NOT just say "theory X describes deviant behavior Y" and leave it at that.

Accepted Answer

One behavior that I feel is clearly deviant is theft. This is because stealing from others goes against societal norms and laws, and is generally seen as morally wrong. However, there are certain circumstances where theft may be considered justifiable, such as stealing food to feed a starving family. In these cases, I believe that theft should not be considered deviant, as it is a means of survival.

From a sociological perspective, the conflict theory best explains this form of deviance. According to conflict theory, deviant behavior such as theft is a result of social inequality and the struggle for power and resources. In a society where there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, individuals may resort to theft as a way to obtain the resources they need to survive. This theory highlights the role of social structures and power dynamics in shaping deviant behavior, and emphasizes the need for addressing underlying social inequalities in order to reduce deviance.

Question 3

_______ methods reduce the social world to numbers and statistical relationships in an attempt to determine causal relationships.

Accepted Answer

A)   Quantitative
B)   Qualitative
C)   Mixed
D)   Ethnographic A

Question 4

By focusing on deviant behavior as objectively real, _______ tend to make assumptions about the deviant status of their study.

Accepted Answer

A)   subjectivists
B)   positivists
C)   mixed theorists
D)   none of the above are correct

Question 5

Officer Jones was walking his beat in the City when he saw a teenage girl spray painting a set of initials on an alley wall. Officer Jones shouts at the girl to stop. She stands there and sadly shakes her head no. Jones walks over and notices that the initials are those of a young man who was shot two days earlier in that very spot. He talks to the girl for a moment and then walks on as she finishes her initials. This scenario is an example of deviance as

Accepted Answer

A)   an objective phenomenon.
B)   a subjective phenomenon.
C)   a criminal problem.
D)   answers a and c are correct.

Question 6

Describe the differences between the two broad methodological categories. What types of epistemologies are more likely to be used for each?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the differences between the two broad...

Question 7

How might we conceive of face-to-face and social-psychological levels of analysis as a micro level of analysis? By doing so, do we complicate our demarcation of the meso level of analysis? Put differently, can we define a clear continuum from micro to macro or is the meso always relative to other levels of analysis as defined by their contexts?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How might we conceive of face-to-face and...

Question 8

How does social context impact the study of deviance and social control?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does social context impact the study...

Question 9

_______ includes laws and formal regulations as well as informal or unstated (but understood) expectations.

Accepted Answer

A)   Deviance
B)   Power
C)   Social control
D)   Fascism

Question 10

Jane Researcher was examining the role that state repression plays in the rate of suicide among underprivileged youth. To pursue this study, Jane went to three countries and requested the number of deaths due to suicide for the previous three years and the personal information of the deceased as well as the family income and neighborhood of residence. In this study, Jane is most likely examining suicide from the _______ level of analysis.

Accepted Answer

A)   face-to-face
B)   meso
C)   macro
D)   social psychological

Exam 1: Introduction