Question 1

If we conceive of psychiatric disorders as socially constructed labels imposed on individuals exhibiting certain behavioral attributes defined as symptoms, how does this influence the findings of Hollingshead and Redlich? On the other hand, if these disorders are intrinsically real, what does this say about groups who align along certain social positions? Critically explain the difference by taking one side or the other; is there room for a blended approach here?

Accepted Answer

The concept of psychiatric disorders as socially constructed labels has a significant impact on the findings of Hollingshead and Redlich. If we view psychiatric disorders as socially constructed, then the findings of Hollingshead and Redlich may be influenced by the biases and stigmas attached to these labels. For example, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be more likely to be diagnosed with certain psychiatric disorders due to societal prejudices and assumptions about their behavior. This could lead to skewed findings and perpetuate inequality in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

On the other hand, if psychiatric disorders are considered to be intrinsically real, this suggests that certain groups may be more predisposed to these disorders due to biological or genetic factors. This could lead to the stigmatization and marginalization of these groups, as they may be seen as inherently flawed or abnormal. This perspective may also overlook the impact of social and environmental factors on the development and manifestation of psychiatric disorders.

Taking one side or the other, it is important to critically consider the implications of each perspective. A purely social constructionist view may overlook the biological and genetic factors that contribute to psychiatric disorders, while a purely essentialist view may ignore the influence of social and environmental factors. Therefore, there is room for a blended approach that takes into account both the social construction and intrinsic reality of psychiatric disorders. This approach would recognize the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and experience of psychiatric disorders, and strive to address the biases and inequalities inherent in the current diagnostic and treatment systems. By acknowledging the limitations of each perspective and integrating them into a more comprehensive understanding, we can work towards a more equitable and effective approach to addressing psychiatric disorders.

Question 2

Randall Doe was arrested for stealing a car. In American culture, he is most likely categorized in the _______ category of Heckert and Heckert's typology.

Accepted Answer

A)   negative deviance
B)   rate-busting
C)   deviance admiration
D)   positive deviance A

Question 3

Tillman describes the evolution of white-collar and corporate crime in the era of global capitalism. Rooted in the political economic structure, criminogenic institutional frameworks have emerged alongside an era where corporations have a great deal of influence on the political process. If corporations influence (or make) the rules and regulations they must adhere to, and the frameworks we can identify are criminogenic, then how would you define the current model of corporate capitalism using sociological theories of deviance? (In commonsense terms.)

Accepted Answer

The current model of corporate capitalism can be defined using sociological theories of deviance as a system where corporations, with their significant influence on the political process, are able to shape the rules and regulations they must follow in a way that benefits their own interests. This creates a criminogenic environment where the institutional frameworks are conducive to white-collar and corporate crime. In commonsense terms, this means that the current model of corporate capitalism allows for and even encourages unethical and illegal behavior by corporations, leading to widespread harm and injustice in society.

Question 4

Do you believe Early and Akers could have used an alternative theoretical framework to explain why African Americans are less likely than whites to commit suicide? In particular, do the "bonds" to church, family, and other institutions they describe exhibit signs of a social-psychological theory?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you believe Early and Akers could...

Question 5

According to Whitehead and Kurtz, feminine "power" has primarily been constructed through the acquisition of _______ , and the female body is rendered a social text that is to be viewed, judged, and evaluated by men.

Accepted Answer

A)   aesthetic beauty
B)   a husband
C)   children or family
D)   all of the above are correct

Question 6

The research conducted by Weinberg, Williams, and Pryor counters the notion that bisexuals are just _______ .

Accepted Answer

A)   seeking attention
B)   sexually promiscuous
C)   in transition to another sexual preference
D)   none of the above are correct

Question 7

Tillman is interested in how the _______ is able to manipulate various rules and regulations that make white-collar crime possible.

Accepted Answer

A)   U.S. Congress
B)   U.S. President
C)   economic elite
D)   political elite

Question 8

In the courtroom, according to Gathings and Parrotta, women are more likely than men to be described as _______ compared to men.

Accepted Answer

A)   providers
B)   workers
C)   dependent
D)   independent

Question 9

According to the criminogenic _______ perspective, white-collar crime is seen as an outgrowth of the structure and organization of industries rather than the result of individual characteristics of those involved; white-collar crime is thus ultimately a systemic problem.

Accepted Answer

A)   institutional framework
B)   market
C)   structure
D)   culture

Question 10

According to Blazak, Nazi skinhead groups look for specific kinds of youth, kids who are, in Durkheim's terms _______ , that is, feeling adrift, alone, angry or frustrated.

Accepted Answer

A)   anomic
B)   a social fact
C)   psychotic
D)   sociopaths

Question 11

According to Blazak, hate groups espouse _______ that malign entire groups of people based on race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and the like.

Accepted Answer

A)   beliefs
B)   religion
C)   ideologies
D)   both answers a and c are correct

Question 12

Hollingshead and Redlich are most concerned with the interrelations between _______ structures and the development of mental illness.

Accepted Answer

A)   cognitive
B)   physiological
C)   class
D)   both a and b are correct

Question 13

According to Loseke and Cavendish, within a world organized around _______ , Catholics can be condemned because of their sexual orientation and practices.

Accepted Answer

A)   religion
B)   sin
C)   heterosexuality
D)   homophobia

Question 14

Over time, bisexual individuals are _______ toward their self-identity as a bisexual person.

Accepted Answer

A)   less certain and more negative
B)   more certain and negative
C)   more certain and positive
D)   less certain but positive

Question 15

A culture which defines heterosexuality as the norm and as the preferred sexual orientation is _______.

Accepted Answer

A)   normal
B)   heteronormative
C)   heterophobic
D)   homosexual

Question 16

As a result of the Gay Liberation Movement of the 1960s, homosexuality was _______ and no longer considered a medical pathology.

Accepted Answer

A)   liberated
B)   decriminalized
C)   delegitimized
D)   demedicalized

Question 17

According to Kimmel and Mahler, _______ is the single greatest risk factor in school violence.

Accepted Answer

A)   guns
B)   drugs
C)   testosterone
D)   masculinity

Question 18

Select one status or identity, and identify some aspect you could conduct research about. Then construct a research question from a positivist and constructionist/subjectivist perspective. How would a blended approach differ from each? What components of each could truly be blended?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select one status or identity, and identify...

Question 19

According to Hollingshead and Redlich, there are clear connections between particular types of and the emergence of particular kinds of psychiatric disorders.

Accepted Answer

A)   genetics
B)   biology
C)   social environments
D)   ecological environments

Question 20

Heckert and Heckert make the case for "positive" (not positivist) deviance-deviant behavior that is labeled so because it denotes overconformity to positively evaluated norms in society (e.g., overachieving in one's academic endeavors). Name at least one form of positive deviance. Now explain, in commonsense terms, why that behavior is seen as deviant. Then explain how and why this differs from "rate-busting" deviance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Heckert and Heckert make the case for...

Exam 4: Statuses and Identities