Deck 3: Definitions of Deviance and Deviance and the Responses of Others From Outsiders, Howard Sbecker

Question 1

Becker introduces three definitions of deviance, which do NOT include ____.

A)The statistical definition
B)The medical definition
C)The social reaction definition
D)The moral definition

Answer 1

The moral definition

Question 2

Which of the following is (are) Becker's critique(s) of the statistical definition?

A)It does away many questions of value
B)It is too removed from the concern with rule-breaking
C)It is a "mixed bag" that contains too many drastically different subjects of study
D)All of the above

Answer 2

All of the above

Question 3

According to Becker, deviance __________.

A)Never changes
B)Is in the eyes of the beholder
C)Follows statistical rules
D)Is defined as illness

Answer 3

Is in the eyes of the beholder

Question 4

According to Becker, ______.

A)Certain acts are deviant no matter where they occur
B)There is something obvious to everyone about certain acts that make them deviant
C)Definition of deviance persists across time
D)Deviance is created by society

Question 5

When attempting to define deviance, Becker considers medical, statistical, and sociological viewpoints.Why does he settle on sociological viewpoints as the best way to identify deviance in society? What does he see as wrong with the other perspectives? Use a type of deviance not discussed in his reading to make your case.