Deck 1: Introduction to Deviance

Question 1

According to Clinard and Meier (2015), which two conceptions of deviance exist in the study of deviant behavior?

A) normative and non-normative
B) objectively problematic and subjectively given
C) relativist and normative
D) folkways and mores

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following terms describe rules of behavior that are defined both formally and informally?

A) norms
B) laws
C) folkways
D) mores

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which is considered the strongest norm?

A) folkways
B) mores
C) sanctions
D) laws

Answer 3

D

Question 4

From a social constructionist perspective, what assumptions underlie deviance?

A) Everyone is deviant to some degree.
B) Behaviors are not inherently deviant.
C) Deviance is learned from friends and siblings.
D) All forms of deviance are a normal response to stress.

Question 5

Which of the following summarizes a critical perspective on deviance?

A) The normative perspective of deviance is established by those in power to maintain and enhance their power.
B) There is no inherently deviant behavior, only behavior that society defines as deviant, a definition that varies by time, culture, and society.
C) Deviance consists of behaviors and conditions that are inherently deviant regardless of social, economic, and political conditions.
D) Deviant behavior exists along a spectrum, beginning with low-consensus deviance and ending with high-consensus deviance.

Question 6

Which of the following is not part of the steps in the scientific research method?

A) research question
B) examine results and theorize
C) data and data collection methods
D) reconciling personal beliefs

Question 7

How are folkways different from mores?

A) Folkways are casual; mores are serious.
B) Folkways are for individuals; mores are for societies.
C) Mores are informally enforced; folkways are formally enforced.
D) Folkways are internalized; mores are not.

Question 8

The purpose of the scientific method is to ______.

A) incorporate mathematical principles
B) minimize bias
C) identify flawed research
D) eliminate creative thinking

Question 9

The Fremont Solstice Parade, which involves nude bicycling, is NOT an example of deviance because ______.

A) riding bicycles in a parade is against the law
B) public nudity is accepted during the solstice parade
C) children are present
D) nude bicycling is uncomfortable

Question 10

Which statement summarizes the social constructionist and reactionist/relativist perspectives on deviance?

A) Deviance is both normative and non-normative.
B) Deviance can be positive.
C) Deviance is subjectively defined.
D) Deviance includes folkways, mores, and laws.

Question 11

Norms against spitting on the sidewalk are ______; norms against murder are ______.

A) casual; critical
B) folkways; mores
C) reactionist; critical
D) relativist; reactionist

Question 12

What does the sociological imagination help us understand?

A) individual responsibility
B) the role creativity plays in society
C) how society changes over time
D) how social forces influence individuals

Question 13

What is the role of sociological theories in understanding deviance?

A) They categorize various forms of deviance.
B) They encourage us to see everyone as normal.
C) They clearly differentiate deviant individuals from everyone else.
D) They help us think systematically about deviance.

Question 14

What assumption underlies the normative conception of deviance?

A) The powerful define what behavior constitutes deviance.
B) There are generally accepted norms guiding behavior.
C) Deviance is defined subjectively, not objectively.
D) A certain amount of deviance is a normal part of society.

Question 15

A relativist approaches the study of deviance by studying ______.

A) how norms are created
B) how people learn deviant behavior
C) why deviants violate norms
D) who breaks laws

Question 16

Dr. Alucard studies deviant behavior from a ______ perspective, focusing on how the current social system creates norms to protect those in power.

A) positivist
B) constructionist
C) critical
D) normative

Question 17

Contrasting the acceptance of public nudity at the Fremont Solstice Parade with the arrest of a serial flasher illustrates that ______.

A) deviance is relative
B) some behavior is always deviant
C) criminals commit deviant behavior
D) flashing should be legal

Question 18

According to Thio, Taylor, and Schwartz (2012), what two ways can we view deviance?

A) social and individual
B) positive and social constructionist
C) constructivist and critical
D) normative and relativistic

Question 19

Which term refers to "moral" norms?

A) deviance
B) laws
C) folkways
D) mores

Question 20

Assuming that people who engage in deviant behavior are sick or mentally ill ______.

A) normalizes illegal behavior
B) sociologically imagines norms
C) socially constructs deviance
D) pathologizes individuals

Question 21

Objectively given and subjectively problematic are the same conception of deviance.

Question 22

Objectively given deviance is also referred to as normative or positivistic by the authors.

Question 23

Subjectively problematic means that deviance is constructed based on interactions of those in society.

Question 24

According to objectively given conceptions, there is no inherently deviant behavior.

Question 25

A critical conception of deviance is the most traditional perspective on deviance.

Question 26

According to the relativist conception of deviance, universal definitions of deviance exist that apply across all time and place.

Question 27

In the United States, it is a generally agreed upon norm that individuals should not have their fingers in their nose in public.

Question 28

The sociological imagination is the basis for the positivist conception of deviance.

Question 29

Positivist conceptions of deviance most align with critical perspectives of deviance.

Question 30

Sociological theory helps us think systematically about deviance.

Question 31

Describe the three types of norms discussed in this chapter. Then, provide examples.

Question 32

Compare and contrast positivist, relativist, and critical conceptions of deviance.

Question 33

What is the sociological imagination? How does it apply to the study of deviance?

Question 34

Which conception of deviance do you prefer? Explain.

Question 35

What criticism did Liazos (1972) make regarding the study of deviant behavior? How does the textbook address this criticism?