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Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Chapter 6
6.1
Deviance and Social Control
True/False Questions
1) Human sexuality illustrates how a group's definitions of an act, and not the act itself, determines whether or not it is
considered deviant.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 158
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
2) Stigma, characteristics that discredit people, includes violations of norms of ability and violations of norms of appearance.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 157
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
3) Sociologically, an act cannot be classified as deviance if it does not cause physical or emotional harm to another
individual.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
4) The theory of differential association suggests that people who associate with certain groups receive an "excess of
definitions" about either deviance or conformity.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 160
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
5) Resent research indicates that social definitions of masculinity encourage violence among youth gangs.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 160-161
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
6) Control theory relies on attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief to explain the social bonds people develop to
their respective groups and society.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 161-162
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
7) Shaming is most effective as a sanction when it is used by a formal organization such as a court of common pleas or other
public tribunal.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 163
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Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
8) Stripping an individual of his or her identity as a group member is an example of using a degradation ceremony to brand
someone as an outsider.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 3
Page Ref:163
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
9) By employing techniques of neutralization, even the most dedicated deviants can view themselves as conformists.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 162, 164
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
10) Functionalists believe deviance has no useful purpose in society and only contributes to social chaos.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 166
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
11) The text points out a number of high-profile examples of white-collar crime by large corporations for which violators
never went to jail.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 169-170
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
12) Crime "in the suites" (white collar crime) actually costs the American taxpayer more in terms of dollars lost than "crime in
the streets."
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 170
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
13) Violent crime in America is rather consistent from state to state in terms of the number of incidents and ratio of incidents
to the state's population.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 171
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
14) Functionalists would contend that the growing crime rates among women are the result of changing social location and
gender roles giving women greater access to illegitimate opportunities.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 171
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
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2
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
15) A person in the upper-class is less likely to be punished by the criminal justice system than someone in the lower-class.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 172-173
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.4 Explain how social class is related to the criminal justice system and how the criminal justice system is oppressive.
Topic/A-Head: The Conflict Perspective
16) The upper-class uses the criminal justice system to oppress the lower-class because they pose a threat to their power and
the current social order.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 173
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.4 Explain how social class is related to the criminal justice system and how the criminal justice system is oppressive.
Topic/A-Head: The Conflict Perspective
17) Although African Americans are disproportionately represented in the state prison population, the majority of prisoners are
white.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 175
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
18) The chances of receiving the death penalty are greatly affected by geography (where the murder took place), social class,
and gender.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 178
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
19) Official crime statistics gathered by the police and FBI can be relied upon for their objectivity and accuracy for measuring
crime in their respective jurisdictions.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 182
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
20) Because deviance is inevitable, the more important focus is to find ways to protect people from harmful deviant acts, to
find ways to tolerate behavior that is not harmful, and to develop a system of fair treatment for deviants.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 184-185
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
6.2
Multiple Choice Questions
1) Napoleon Chagnon's visit to the Yanomamö tribe, where he observed tribe members appearing naked in public, using
hallucinogenic drugs, and letting mucus hang from their noses, is a good example of ________.
A) nonconforming behavior
B) the need for social sanctions
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Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
C) the cultural relativity of deviance
D) the need for absolute standards in defining deviance
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 156
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
2) Violations of norms and rules that are written into law are officially called ________.
A) ethics
B) values
C) folkways
D) crimes
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 157
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
3) The concept of the relativity of deviance is best illustrated by which of the following statements?
A) It is not the act itself, but the reaction of others to the act that makes it deviant.
B) The nature of one's behavior is the most important aspect in determining deviance.
C) Deviance is most related to functionalism because it creates a dysfunction for society.
D) Deviance is analogous to mental illness.
Answer: A
Diff: 6
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
4) The relativity of deviance is most aligned with which sociological perspective?
A) structural functionalism
B) symbolic interactionism
C) the conflict perspective
D) the neo-conflict perspective
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
5) Erving Goffman used the term ________ to refer to characteristics that discredit people.
A) master status
B) role
C) stigma
D) sanction
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 157
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
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4
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
6) A group’s usual and customary social arrangements, on which its members depend and on which they base their lives, is
called ________.
A) social control
B) sanction
C) social order
D) social guideline
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 157
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
7) What is a group's formal and informal means of enforcing norms called?
A) social solidarity
B) the social imperative
C) social control
D) social bond
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 157-158
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
8) Why did the "XYY" chromosome theory fall out of favor as an explanation for criminal behavior?
A) It was discovered there are no longer any XYY chromosome configurations among men.
B) Most criminals do not have XYY and everyone with XYY is not a criminal.
C) The work of the theorist who proposed the theory was plagiarized.
D) The theory only explains deviant and criminal behavior among females.
Answer: B
Diff: 4
Page Ref: 159
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
9) Suicide bombers in Iraq are accorded high praise by those who oppose an American presence in the Middle East and are
considered heroic warriors. Such honor and praise is an example of a ________.
A) positive sanction
B) negative sanction
C) degradation ceremony
D) shaming
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 158
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
10) Explanations for deviance that focus on genetic predispositions to explain why individuals commit deviant acts are most
aligned with which discipline?
A) sociobiology
B) sociology
C) psychology
D) anthropology
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 159
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
5
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
11) Which of the following theories of deviance is LEAST associated with sociobiology?
A) intelligence theory: low intelligence leads to deviant and criminal behavior
B) social learning theory: we learn deviance from our peers
C) XYY" theory: the extra Y chromosome in males causes criminal behavior
D) body type theory: people with muscular bodies are prone to be criminals
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 159
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
12) The two disciplines that would be most concerned with addressing qualities within the individual to explain deviant
behavior are ________ and ________.
A) anthropology; sociology
B) sociology, psychology
C) sociobiology; psychology
D) criminology; political science
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 159
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
13) The theory of behavior in which people who associate with some groups learn an "excess of definitions" of deviance,
increasing the likelihood that they will become deviant is ________.
A) conflict theory
B) social control theory
C) strain theory
D) differential association theory
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 160
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
14) Differential association theory was developed by sociologist ________.
A) Robert K. Merton
B) Frank Tannenbaum
C) Walter Reckless
D) Edwin Sutherland
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 160
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
15) Sociologists who believe we help to produce our own orientations to life by joining specific groups is most aligned with
which sociological perspective?
A) functional
B) conflict
C) symbolic interactionist
D) neo-conflict
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 160
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Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
16) Based on differential association theory, what is the most likely background shared by juvenile delinquents?
A) They come from regions populated by large numbers of minorities.
B) They are concentrated in urban areas with a population over 25,000.
C) They are common in families living in poverty.
D) They are from families that have a history of being involved in crime.
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 160-161
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
17) Inner and outer controls that work against our tendencies to deviate is known as what theory?
A) rationalization theory
B) judgment theory
C) self-control theory
D) control theory
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 161-162
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
18) The sociologist responsible for developing one of the first control theories that addressed the inner controls of the
individual and outer controls of society was ________.
A) Travis Hirschi
B) Jackson Toby
C) Walter Reckless
D) F. Ivan Nye
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 161
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
19) According to control theory, when are inner controls most effective in deterring deviant behavior?
A) When we fear punishment from authorities such as parents or the court system.
B) In the presence of strong attachments, commitments, and involvement with other members of society.
C) When they are applied to members of the middle or upper classes.
D) In situations where there is a strong police presence.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 162
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
20) Susie is a first-year college student. Although she wants to be popular, she has refused invitations to attend underage
drinking parties. Susie has a strong respect for authority, even when it conflicts with a simple matter such as attending a
college party. Susie's decision in this situation demonstrates a quality of control theory called ________.
A) pushes
B) inner control
C) formal control
D) pulls
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 161-162
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
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7
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
21) In which of the following settings would shaming be LEAST effective?
A) the family
B) a close knit society, such as the Amish
C) a small religious cult
D) a large inner-city neighborhood
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 163
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
22) Ritualistic procedures intended to humiliate norm violators and mark them as being moral outcasts of the group to which
they once belonged are called ________.
A) sanctions
B) profiling
C) degradation ceremonies
D) stereotyping
Answer: C
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 163
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
23) The term degradation ceremony was coined by sociologist ________.
A) Harold Garfinkel
B) Erving Goffman
C) Talcott Parsons
D) Herbert Spencer
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 163
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
24) In The Scarlet Letter, why was Hester Prynne required to wear a scarlet "A" on her dress?
A) Sociologically, this served as a negative sanction and an example of shaming.
B) Psychologically, it provided her the opportunity to face what she had become.
C) It indicated she was at the head of her class in what she had done.
D) It was a "badge of honor" that many other women wished they could achieve.
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 163
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
25) The significance of names or reputations given to people when they engage in certain types of behavior is the focus of
________ theory.
A) strain
B) control
C) labeling
D) differential association
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 162
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
26) In an effort to resist the label of "deviant," most people will develop rationales to justify their deviant acts. Sykes and
Matza refer to these rationales as ________.
A) ideologies
B) techniques of neutralization
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Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
C) strategies of justification
D) labeling
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 162- 164
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
27) Matthew and Ryan are devout Christian Fundamentalists and believe that homosexuality is against God's will and that
homosexuals deserve to be punished. They spend a couple evenings each week in gay bashing activities that include
physical violence and verbal assaults. Based on their rationalization, which technique of neutralization is most applicable
for Matthew and Ryan to maintain positive self-images?
A) denial of a victim
B) denial of injury
C) denial of responsibility
D) condemn the condemner
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 164
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
28) When Anthony worked as a prison counselor he would often ask property offenders why they committed the crime. The
overwhelming response was, "I had to feed my family." How would Sykes and Matza classify this response?
A) denial of responsibility
B) appeal to higher loyalties
C) condemnation of the condemners
D) denial of injury
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 164
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
29) The early sociologist who argued that deviance might be functional for society was ________.
A) Max Weber
B) Henri Saint Simon
C) Emile Durkheim
D) Karl Marx
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 166
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
30) Which type of sociologists would consider deviance to be a natural part of society?
A) functionalists
B) symbolic interactionists
C) conflict theorists
D) neo-conflict theorists
Answer: A
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 166
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
31) All of the following theories follow the principles of symbolic interactionism EXCEPT for which one?
A) differential association theory
B) control theory
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9
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
C) labeling theory
D) strain theory
Answer: D
Diff:3
Page Ref: 166-167
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
32) The ________ theory developed by Robert Merton is based on the idea that most people want to attain cultural goals, but
not everyone has the legitimate means of achieving them.
A) illegitimate opportunity
B) strain
C) labeling
D) control
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 166-167
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
33) According to strain theory, the underlying cause of deviance is that people experience a sense of normlessness. This sense
of normlessness is referred to as ________.
A) anomie
B) latent dysfunction
C) mass hysteria
D) retreatism
Answer: A
Diff:2
Page Ref: 166-167
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
34) John desires the best things in life – a fast car, designer clothes, and membership in exclusive clubs. But rather than work
his way through the system, he has discovered he can have all these things by selling crack cocaine in the inner city. How
would Merton classify John?
A) a ritualist
B) a anarchist
C) a rebel
D) an innovator
Answer: D
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 168
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
35) Based on Merton's typologies, what do drug addicts, the homeless, nuns living in a convent, and monks living in a
monastery have in common?
A) They are all conformists.
B) They are all retreatists.
C) They are all rebels.
D) They are all ritualists.
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 168
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
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10
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
36) According to Cloward and Ohlin, what is the underlying cause of deviance and delinquency in unstable slums of a city?
A) illegitimate opportunity structures
B) the racial composition of the city
C) a rival struggle for power
D) unethical police behavior
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 169
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
37) Cloward and Ohlin addressed the street hustler as a role model for youth and the methods used to earn easy money
through a life of crime. What did they call this career path of delinquency?
A) containment theory
B) social bond theory
C) the theory of differential association
D) illegitimate opportunity structure
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 169
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
38) The term white collar crime was coined by sociologist ________ to refer to crimes that people of respectable social status
commit in the course of their occupation.
A) Robert Merton
B) Frank Tannenbaum
C) Erving Goffman
D) Edwin Sutherland
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 169
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
39) All of the following acts qualify as a white collar crime EXCEPT for which one?
A) a bank teller robbing the First National bank
B) a police officer taking $100 to refrain from writing a speeding ticket
C) an executive writing off the corporation's million-dollar fine as investment capital
D) a businessperson classifying parking tickets as job hunting expenses on an income tax return
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 169
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
40) According to sociologist Martín Sánchez-Jankowski, boys in urban areas are motivated to join gangs for a number of
reasons. Which of the following reasons LEAST qualifies as one of the reasons Jankowski discovered why urban youth
join gangs?
A) to escape broken homes
B) access to money
C) to help the community
D) recreational opportunity
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 170
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
11
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
41) The crime with the highest increase among women between 1992 and 2010 was ________.
A) drug offenses
B) drunk driving
C) bank robbery
D) murder
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 171
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
42) Based on the 2013 edition of the Statistical Abstract in the United States, the state with the lowest rate of violent crime in
America is ________, while the state with the highest rate of violent crime is ________.
A) Wyoming; New York
B) Montana; New Jersey
C) Colorado; California
D) Maine; Nevada
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 171
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
43) Sociologists who view law as an instrument of oppression used to control workers are aligned most with which
sociological perspective?
A) the functionalist perspective
B) the conflict perspective
C) the symbolic interactionist perspective
D) the structuralist perspective
Answer: B
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 173
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.4 Explain how social class is related to the criminal justice system and how the criminal justice system is oppressive.
Topic/A-head: The Conflict Perspective
44) The total prison and jail population in the United States equals approximately ________ people, which is one out of every
135 Americans.
A) 500,000
B) 1,500,000
C) 2,300,000
D) 4,000,000
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 174
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
45) What is the most common martial status found among inmates in U.S. state prisons?
A) married
B) divorced
C) widowed
D) never married
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 176
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12
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
46) What are the two most significant "anchoring devices" that insulate a person from a life of crime and imprisonment?
A) a good lawyer and big expense account
B) neighborhood and income
C) race and ethnicity
D) marriage and education
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 175-176
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
47) Of the following, the crime with the highest recidivism rate within three years of release from prison is ________.
A) murder
B) rape
C) drug violations
D) car theft
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 178
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
48) The percentage of former prisoners who are rearrested is known as ___________.
A) reimprisonment
B) recidivism
C) three-strike law
D) criminal justice
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 178
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
49) When citizens take the law into their own hands it is known as __________.
A) vigilantism
B) recidivism
C) common law
D) criminal justice
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 181
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
50) When Officer Friel discovered Mark smoking marijuana outside the school, he took him home and turned him over to his
parents for counseling and treatment as they felt appropriate. He also warned Mark the next time would result in a ride to
juvenile hall. Which statement best describes Officer Friel's actions?
A) Officer Friel is violating police ethics.
B) Officer Friel is guilty of breaking the law.
C) Officer Friel is employing police discretion.
D) Officer Friel is using reverse psychology on Mark.
Answer: C
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
13
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 182
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
51) How did psychiatrist Thomas Szasz describe mental illness?
A) He believed mental illness and homelessness were two sides of the same coin.
B) He said mental illness was neither mental nor an illness.
C) He embraced Freudian psychology as being the best explanation for mental illness.
D) He believed mental illness was the cause of most deviance, delinquency, and crime.
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 183
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
52) How a society treats its deviants is one measure of how humane it is. What would an examination of prisons and mental
hospitals in the United States suggest regarding this standard?
A) The United States is the most humane society in the world.
B) Prisons are a last resort in dealing with deviants.
C) U.S. prisons emphasize prisoner rehabilitation and mental hospitals cure the mentally ill.
D) They are both used as warehouse for the unwanted.
Answer: D
Diff: 6
Page Ref: 184-185
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
6.3
Short Answer Questions
1) Why is the relativity of deviance most aligned with the symbolic interactionist perspective?
Answer: Deviant acts often take the form of symbols that convey meaning. This meaning is a matter of interpretation,
which is the fundamental basis of symbolic interactionism, that is, that symbols and the meanings they convey.
Whether the act is deviant or not is often a matter of small group interaction.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
2) What is the relativity of deviance?
Answer: The relativity of deviance refers to the fact that different groups have different norms and what is deviant in one
group is not necessarily deviant in another.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
3) What is the relationship between norms and social order?
Answer: Without norms there would be no social order, only chaos.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 157
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
4) What is the major difference between psychological and sociological theories in explaining deviance?
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
14
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Answer: Psychological theories examine the cause of deviance originating within the individual. Sociological theories
examine the cause of deviance originating from outside the individual.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 159-160
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
5) In control theory, what is the difference between inner and outer controls?
Answer: Inner controls include our internalized morality, conscience, religious principles, ideas of right or wrong, fear of
punishment, and feelings of integrity. Outer controls include people and agencies that influence us not to
deviate such as family, friends, and the police.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 161-162
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
6) Based on control theory, what are the four qualities that determine one's bond with society?
Answer: (1) attachment;
(2) commitment;
(3) involvement;
(4) belief
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 162
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
7) What is the purpose of a degradation ceremony?
Answer: It brands someone as an outsider, strips them of their personal identity, and forces them to account for their
behavior.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 163
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
8) What was the single greatest difference that explains why members of their community perceived the "Roughnecks" and
"Saints" differently?
Answer: The social class of the two groups was the greatest difference, as the Saints were from "respectable" middleclass families and the Roughnecks were from "less respectable" working-class families.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 165
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
9) According to Merton's strain theory, what are the four typologies of adaptation that qualify as being deviant? Also identify
the fifth typology added by your author that Merton did not include?
Answer: (1) innovation;
(2) ritualism;
(3) retreatism;
(4) rebellion
(5) anarchist
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 167-168
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
10) Why is conformity considered as being the only nondeviant mode of adaptation?
Answer: Conformity is the only mode of adaptation that involves both an acceptance of cultural goals and an acceptance
of institutionalized means to achieve them.
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15
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Diff: 6
Page Ref: 167-168
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
11) Why does illegitimate opportunity structure qualify so well as an explanation of deviance in the urban slums?
Answer: lack of employment, perceptions of what is available for work being beneath the dignity of the individual,
"hustlers" (pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers, and others) becoming role models for youth, availability of
temptations of all kind, and lack of social structure and social control
Diff: 4
Page Ref: 169-170
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
12) Based on the research of Martín Sánchez-Jankowski, what are the primary reasons urban male youth join gangs?
Answer: Urban male youth join gangs primarily to gain access to money, to have recreation including girls and drugs, to
maintain anonymity when committing crimes, for protection, and to protect their local communities from
outsiders.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 170
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
13) How has criminal behavior among women changed in recent years, based on statistics from 1992 and 2010?
Answer: Rates of at least eleven types of crimes committed by women have increased in percentage, nine in a double
digit increase.
Diff: 6
Page Ref: 171
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
14) What are the three components that make up the criminal justice system?
Answer: (1) the police;
(2) the court system;
(3) the prison system
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 173
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.4 Explain how social class is related to the criminal justice system and how the criminal justice system is oppressive.
Topic/A-head: The Conflict Perspective
15) Define recidivism and identify the recidivism rate for violent offenders three years after they have been released from
prison.
Answer: The recidivism rate is the percentage of former inmates who are rearrested. For violent offenders three years
after their release from prison, two out of three (62 percent) are rearrested and about half (52 percent) are
reincarcerated.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 178
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
16) What is the major difference between serial killers and mass murderers?
Answer: Both serial killers and mass murderers kill a number of people. Serial killers extend their killing spree over a
period of time while mass murderers do their killing at one time.
Diff: 4
Page Ref: 180
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
16
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
17) Since the new laws governing the death penalty were enacted following Furman v. Georgia, what is the breakdown of the
offenders executed based on race?
Answer: Since then, 65 percent of those put to death have been white and 35 percent African American.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 179
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
18) In Mexico vigilantism has become a means adopted by the people to secure their freedom. What has happened in that
society to lead such means? How might U.S. citizens be at risk for loosing such freedoms?
Answer: In Mexico the drug lords have taken control corrupting much of the Army and police forces. This has lead
citizens to take matters into their own hands to secure their safety. In the U.S., government agencies are
increasingly utilizing security measures that have resulted in the loss of certain freedoms. These measures are
currently working to protect us, but if corrupted, could be utilized against us.
Diff: 4
Page Ref: 181
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
19) How did Thomas Szasz characterize mental illness?
Answer: Szasz said that mental illness was neither mental nor illness but problem behaviors associated with poor coping
skills.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 183
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
6.4
Essay Questions
1) How would a sociologist define deviance? How does the sociological definition of deviance differ from commonly held
assumptions about deviance?
Answer: Deviance is defined as a violation of a group's norms. Using this definition means that what people consider
deviant varies from one culture to another, and from group to group within a society. Because deviance is
relative, it is not the act itself, but the reactions to the act that make something deviant. People can also be
considered deviant because of their attributes that violate the norms of ability, norms of appearance, and
involuntary membership in some groups. Commonly held definitions of deviance attach moral judgments to
acts considered deviant. Sociologists only stress differences in behavior without making such judgments.
Diff: 5
Page Ref: 156-157
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
2) Why are sanctions an important part of understanding deviance?
Answer: Sanctions are expressions of disapproval of deviance (negative sanctions) or rewards for conforming to norms
(positive sanctions). Both positive and negative sanctions can be formal or informal. In general, the more
seriously a society values a norm, the harsher the penalty for its violation and the more formal its application.
Positive sanctions are given for conformity to norms but because conformity is expected by members of
society, one must usually exceed expectations to achieve formal recognition. Society guides the behavior of
members of society by publicizing negative sanctions, through the media, by issuing fines, various degradation
ceremonies, and shaming. Society encourages conformity through public recognition and formal and informal
awards.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 158-159
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
17
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
3) Discuss the three theories used to explain deviance most aligned with biological explanations?
Answer: (1) Intelligence theory. It is believed that low intelligence leads to crime.
(2) the "XYY" theory. An extra Y chromosome in males was believed to lead to violent behavior. This theory
was eventually abandoned because only a very small percentage of violent male offenders have the XYY
combination and many men with XYY are not violent. This also fails to explain violent behavior in women.
(3) Body type theory. It was believed that boys with "squarish, muscular" bodies were more likely to commit
street crime, such as muggings, rapes, and burglary. Today, all types of crimes are committed by offenders
representing all body types.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 159
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
4) How do biological and psychological theories of deviance differ from sociological theories? What are some of the major
theories aligned with these disciplines?
Answer: Biologists and psychologists explain deviance by looking at the characteristics within the individual. Biologists
focus on genetic dispositions, while psychologists focus on personality disorders. In contrast, sociologists look
for explanations outside the individual and focus on the social factors that influence some people rather than
others to break the norms. Biological explanations of crime include theories of intelligence, "XYY"
chromosome theory, and body type theory. Psychological theories include antisocial and personality disorder
theories. Sociological theories include differential association theory, labeling theory, strain theory, and others.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 159-160
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
5) Briefly explain the focus of differential association, control, and labeling theories in the explanation of deviance.
Answer: Differential association theory is based on the idea that people learn to deviate through associating with others
who deviate from the norms. Control theory, in contrast, is based on the idea that everyone is drawn to commit
deviant acts, but most of us conform because of an effective system of inner and outer controls. People who
have less effective controls deviate. Labeling theory is based on the idea that acts are deviant only because
people label them as such. All three theories are aligned with the symbolic interactionist perspective and share
the micro-level of analysis.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 160-164
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
6) How does Chambliss’s (1973) study of the Saints and the Roughnecks illustrate the power of labels in everyday life?
Answer: Labels work as self-fulfilling prophesies. In this case social class was the dividing factor. The Saints were
upper-class high school boys, while the Roughnecks were lower-class high school boys. Teachers and
authorities attached labels to them based on the social class they came from. Despite their participation in
similar behaviors, their deviance was viewed differently. Saints were assumed to be “headed for success”, while
Roughnecks were assumed to be “headed for failure”. These perceptions lead to differences in treatment. The
boys’ behavior ultimately reflected these differences, resulting in the Roughnecks being in constant trouble with
authorities, while the Saints were never arrested.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 165
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
7) According to Durkheim, list three main functions that deviance provides for society. Provide an example or illustration of
each.
Answer: (1) Deviance clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms.
(2) Deviance promotes social unity.
(3) Deviance promotes social change.
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
18
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 166
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
8) In terms of cultural goals and means to attain them, describe each of the five modes of adaptation that Merton outlined in
strain theory.
Answer: Merton identified five different modes of adaptation that individuals use in responding to society's approved
cultural goals and society's approved means to achieve them.
(1) The conformist is considered as the only non-deviant because he or she accepts society's goals and society's
means to achieve them. The other four modes of adaptation are considered as being deviant.
(2) The ritualist accepts the means to achieve goals and in many respects is a model citizen but rejects the
approved cultural goals. The goals may be out of reach or simply not the prime focus of the individual's efforts.
(3) The retreatist rejects both the culturally approved goals and the culturally approved means to achieve them.
(4) The rebel rejects either the approved goals or the means to achieve them (or both) but substitutes a goal or
means in their place.
(5)The innovator accepts culturally approved goals but rejects the approved means to achieve them.
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 167-168
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
9) Based on the research of Martín Sánchez-Jankowski, what are the primary reasons urban male youth join gangs?
Answer: According to sociologist Martín Sánchez-Jankowski, boys in urban areas are motivated to join gangs for a
number of reasons. After following gangs of all types for over ten years, Sánchez-Jankowski found that the
motive for boys joining a gang was not because of living in a broken home or seeking a substitute family, but
rather to gain access to money, to have recreation (girls and drugs), to maintain anonymity in community
crimes, to get protection, and to help the community. In some of the neighborhoods, gangs protect residents
from outsiders and the boys saw the gang as an alternative to the dead end, which they considered jobs held by
their parents.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 170
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory), and
how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
10) Discuss how conflict theorists explain deviance.
Answer: Conflict theorists take the position that the group in power ensures that its definitions of deviance are those that
are accepted by mainstream society. Conflict theorists maintain that the law is an instrument of oppression and
exploitation. The law is used to maintain the privilege of the few over the many. Because the marginal working
class have little income and are desperate, they commit highly visible property crimes. The elites manipulate
the criminal justice system and use it to punish the crimes of the poor and divert their own criminal activities
away from this punitive system.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 172-173
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.4 Explain how social class is related to the criminal justice system and how the criminal justice system is oppressive.
Topic/A-head: The Conflict Perspective
11) What are the most common characteristics shared by the American prison population?
Answer: (1) Most prisoner inmates are young men, under age 35.
(2) Almost 40 percent of all prison inmates are African Americans.
(3) Most prison inmates are single.
(4) More than 90 percent of all prison inmates are male.
(5) Most prison inmates do not have a college education.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 174-176
Skill Level: Know the Facts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
19
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
12) What are the similarities and differences between serial killers and mass murderers? Why do each of these groups present
such a potential danger to society?
Answer: Serial killer and mass murderers both kill multiple victims. Serial killers commit independent acts where they
kill one or two victims at a time over an extended period and often do so for some ritualistic purpose, such as to
rid the world of prostitutes. Mass murderers kill multiple victims but do so at the same time. Both types of
killers pose unique threats to the public. Serial killers may be very charming and charismatic and show no
visible sign of their potential as victimizers. Ted Bundy is an example of such an individual. Mass murderers
often "snap" and react in a violent rage of killing co-workers, family members, or others with whom they
regularly interact. They do so without warning and the ultimate cause of their provocation may be distantly
removed from the actual act.
Diff: 6
Page Ref: 180
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
13) Discuss the medicalization of deviance and how Thomas Szasz would respond to this concept.
Answer: The medicalization of deviance is transforming all deviance to a medical matter to be treated by physicians. By
doing so, the deviant can assume the sick role and not be held accountable for his or her actions. They will also
be excused from their normal responsibilities and can use medical insurance to find a "cure." Szasz would
oppose the medicalization of deviance. He criticizes mental illness, something that most people would agree is
a medical condition, being classified as a medical problem. Szasz argues that mental illnesses are neither mental
nor an illness. Rather, they are simply problem behaviors. Some problem behaviors have organic causes and
can be treated with drugs. Other forms are the result of people failing to cope well with the challenges of daily
life. In other words, individuals may use inappropriate ways to cope with their problems without being deviant
in their behavior. His ideas highlight the importance of social experiences as a basis for bizarre behaviors and
deviance in general.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 182-184
Skill Level: Understand the Concepts
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
14) Given Durkheim's theory that deviance is inevitable, why is there a need for a more humane approach to dealing with
deviance in the United States?
Answer: If, as Durkheim suggests, that deviance is inevitable, then one way to measure whether we live in a "good"
society is to examine how the society treats its deviants. This treatment includes how we protect people from
deviant behaviors that are harmful to themselves and others, how we tolerate deviance that is not harmful, and
how we establish fairer systems of treatment for deviants. Based on how the U.S. treats people who are deviant,
we can conclude that the United States needs to develop a more humane way of treating people who do not
conform to the norms of the society. This is evident by a review of the spiraling prison population, the use of
the death penalty, biased reactions to crime by the police and courts, and how people who engage in deviant,
but harmless, behaviors are treated by society.
Diff: 5
Page Ref: 184-185
Skill Level: Analyze It
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the death
penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
20
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
6.5
Matching Questions
Skill Level: Know the Facts
Match the term with the definition.
1)
deviance
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 156
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
2)
social order
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 157
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
3)
social control
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 158
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
4)
B)
Robert Merton's theory based on cultural goals and the
institutionalized means to achieve them
C)
a term to describe an attempt to remake the self by stripping away an
individual's self-identity and stamping a new identity in its place
D)
inborn tendencies to commit deviant acts
E)
the percentage of released convicts who are rearrested
F)
the killing of several victims in three or more separate events
G)
ways of thinking or rationalizing that help people deflect society's
rules
H)
the violation of rules or norms
I)
a group's usual and customary social arrangements on which its
members depend and which they base their lives
J)
to make deviance a medical matter, a symptom of some underlying
illness that needs to be treated by physicians
K)
crimes committed by people of respectable and high social status in
the course of their occupations
L)
another term for the death penalty
positive sanction
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 158
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
6)
an expression of disapproval for breaking a norm, ranging from a
mild, informal reaction to a formal one
negative sanction
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 158
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
5)
A)
genetic predisposition
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 159
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
21
Henslin, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts, 6e
7)
personality disorder
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 159
LO: 6.1 Summarize the relativity of deviance, the need of norms, and the types of sanctions; contrast sociobiological,
psychological and sociological explanations of deviance.
Topic/A-head: What Is Deviance?
8)
degradation ceremony
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 162
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
9)
M)
a group's formal and informal means of enforcing norms
N)
reward or positive reaction for following norms ranging from a smile
to a prize
O)
the view that a personality disturbance of some sort causes an
individual to violate social norms
techniques of neutralization
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 162
LO: 6.2 Contrast three theories of deviance: differential association, control, and labeling.
Topic/A-head: The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
10)
strain theory
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 167
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory),
and how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
11)
white collar crime
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 169
LO: 6.3 Explain how deviance can be functional for society, how mainstream values can produce deviance (strain theory),
and how social class is related to crime (illegitimate opportunities).
Topic/A-head: The Functionalist Perspective
12)
recidivism rate
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 178
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the
death penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
13)
capital punishment
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 178
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the
death penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
14)
serial murder
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 180
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the
death penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
15)
medicalization of deviance
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 182
LO: 6.5 Be familiar with street crimes and prison, three-strikes laws, the decline in violent crime, recidivism, bias in the
death penalty, the medicalization of deviance, and the need for a humane approach.
Topic/A-head: Reactions to Deviance
1) H; 2) I; 3) M; 4) A; 5) N; 6) D; 7) O; 8) C; 9) G; 10) B; 11) K; 12) E; 13) L; 14) F; 15) J
Copyright © 2015, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
22