Defining Deviance: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Deviant Behavior

Question 1

According to Edwin Sutherland, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

It is universal across all societies.

Answer

It violates societal norms.

Answer

It causes harm to society.

Answer

It is acquired through social interactions.

Question 2

In the labeling theory of deviance, who ultimately determines whether a behavior is considered deviant?

Accepted Answer

Members of a particular social group

Answer

Government authorities

Answer

Religious figures

Answer

Social norms

Question 3

Which criticism is commonly leveled against the functionalist perspective on deviance?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the influence of social inequality.

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of social control.

Answer

It assumes all deviant behaviors are harmful.

Answer

It fails to account for individual motivations.

Question 4

According to the social conflict perspective, deviance primarily arises from:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and oppression

Answer

Threats to established social orders

Answer

The necessity for transformative change

Answer

Pathological characteristics of individuals

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a form of social control?

Accepted Answer

Alienation

Answer

Coercion

Answer

Persuasion

Answer

Socialization

Question 6

How do social deviance and personal deviance differ primarily?

Accepted Answer

Social deviance involves breaking societal norms, while personal deviance involves breaking personal values.

Answer

Social deviance is more severely punished than personal deviance.

Answer

Social deviance is always intentional, while personal deviance can be unintentional.

Question 7

Define deviance as per the sociological perspective.

Accepted Answer

Behavior that significantly violates social norms

Answer

Behavior that causes substantial harm to others

Answer

Behavior that violates commonly accepted moral standards

Answer

Behavior that is considered abnormal or unusual

Question 8

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of social inequality in shaping the definition of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Rational choice theory

Question 9

What is the central argument of social control theory in explaining deviance?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with weak social bonds are more likely to engage in deviant behavior.

Answer

Deviance is a result of learning deviant values and norms from others.

Answer

Social inequality creates pressure on individuals to conform to deviant norms.

Answer

Deviance is an inherent part of human nature.

Question 10

How do social norms and values shape the definition of deviance? Explain with specific examples.

Accepted Answer

Social norms and values can vary across cultures and time periods, influencing the definition of deviance.

Answer

Social norms and values have no impact on defining deviance.

Answer

Social norms and values are the same everywhere, leading to a single definition of deviance.

Answer

Social norms and values are objective and universally agreed upon, providing a fixed framework for defining deviance.

Question 11

Which of the following is not considered a key feature of deviant behavior according to sociological perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Unusual physical characteristics

Answer

Violation of social norms

Answer

Negative consequences for others

Answer

Labeling by others

Question 12

The process by which individuals are labeled as deviant based on their perceived behavior, regardless of the actual behavior, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social labeling

Answer

Moral condemnation

Answer

Social control

Answer

Social stigmatization

Question 13

The concept of 'moral entrepreneurs' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals who actively promote certain behaviors as deviant

Answer

Law enforcement officers who enforce social norms

Answer

Sociologists who study deviance

Answer

Judges who determine criminal punishments

Question 14

The concept of 'anomie' is associated with which theorist?

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton

Answer

Émile Durkheim

Answer

Howard Becker

Answer

Lemert

Question 15

Which of the following is not a type of social control used to prevent or discourage deviance?

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs

Answer

Formal controls (e.g., laws)

Answer

Informal controls (e.g., peer pressure)

Answer

Self-control

Question 16

The process by which individuals learn and adopt the values and norms of their society is known as:

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Enculturation

Answer

Acculturation

Answer

Indoctrination

Question 17

How does the social construction of deviance shape how society views and treats individuals labeled as deviant? Provide examples to illustrate your answer.

Accepted Answer

Social construction of deviance involves labeling behaviors as deviant based on societal norms, influencing how individuals are perceived and treated.

Answer

Deviance is a fixed concept, determined by biology.

Answer

Individuals labeled as deviant are always treated fairly.

Answer

Social construction of deviance has no impact on how society perceives and treats deviant individuals.

Question 18

What is a defining characteristic of secondary deviance?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a deviant identity

Answer

Adhering to societal norms

Question 19

What is the key difference between the medical model and the sociological perspective in defining deviance?

Accepted Answer

The medical model sees deviance as an individual illness, while the sociological perspective views it as a result of social control.

Answer

The sociological perspective focuses on biological factors, while the medical model emphasizes social control.

Answer

The medical model and the sociological perspective have no major differences in defining deviance.

Question 20

What is social control, and how does it help prevent or discourage deviant behavior in society?

Accepted Answer

Social control refers to the methods society uses to maintain order, encourage conformity, and prevent deviant behavior.

Answer

Social control is mainly achieved through formal sanctions like laws and punishments.

Answer

Social control has little effect on preventing or discouraging deviant behavior in society.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of deviance according to the sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

It is inherent in the behavior itself

Answer

It violates social norms

Answer

It is socially reacted to

Answer

It is relative to time and place

Question 22

The labeling theory of deviance argues that:

Accepted Answer

Deviance is socially constructed through labeling processes.

Answer

Deviance is caused by individual pathology.

Answer

Deviance is always harmful and negative.

Answer

Deviance cannot be controlled or reduced.

Question 23

The concept of social control refers to:

Accepted Answer

Formal and informal mechanisms that society employs to maintain order

Answer

Methods by which individuals resist or conform to societal norms

Answer

Role of the justice system in preventing deviant behavior

Answer

Process of labeling individuals as deviant

Question 24

The conflict theory of deviance posits that:

Accepted Answer

Deviance is a result of social inequality

Answer

Deviance is essential for societal progress

Answer

Deviance is invariably caused by mental illness

Answer

Deviance solely represents a form of social protest

Question 25

Which criticism is commonly leveled against the labeling theory of deviance?

Accepted Answer

It overlooks the influence of individual agency

Answer

It overestimates the impact of societal labels

Answer

It assumes that all labeled individuals are innocent

Answer

It lacks empirical support

Question 26

The term 'moral entrepreneurs' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals who actively promote their moral beliefs as the societal standard

Answer

Persons who engage in deviant behavior for personal gain

Answer

Groups that strive to protect society from deviant behavior by imposing control

Answer

Organizations that provide support to individuals labeled as deviant

Question 27

Which of the following exemplifies a social norm?

Accepted Answer

Buckling your seatbelt when driving

Answer

Plagiarizing assignments

Answer

Robbing a bank

Answer

Marrying a close relative

Question 28

Which of the following perspectives on defining deviance is absent?

Accepted Answer

Geographical perspective

Answer

Social constructionist perspective

Answer

Biological perspective

Answer

Psychological perspective

Question 29

According to the social constructionist perspective, deviance is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Defined by society through ongoing interactions and social norms

Answer

Inherent and immutable, existing independently of social perceptions

Answer

A result of mental illness or other psychological disorders

Answer

Biologically predetermined, rooted in genetics or physiological factors

Question 30

The primary function of social control in relation to deviance is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain social order by regulating behaviors that threaten societal norms and values

Answer

Punish individuals for engaging in deviant behavior as a form of retribution

Answer

Prevent deviant behavior from occurring through surveillance and other proactive measures

Answer

Rehabilitate deviant individuals by providing treatment and support to address underlying causes

Question 31

The fundamental distinction between deviance and crime lies in the violation of:

Accepted Answer

Social norms (deviance) versus legal norms (crime)

Answer

Legal norms (deviance) versus social norms (crime)

Answer

Moral principles (deviance) versus ethical guidelines (crime)

Answer

Religious beliefs (deviance) versus secular values (crime)

Question 32

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of social inequality in shaping the labeling of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Social conflict theory, which highlights power imbalances and resource disparities

Answer

Functionalist theory, which views deviance as a necessary element for social stability

Answer

Symbolic interactionist theory, which focuses on the subjective meanings and interactions associated with deviance

Answer

Biological theory, which attributes deviance to genetic or physiological factors

Question 33

The primary goal of the labeling approach to deviance is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain how social definitions and societal reactions contribute to the creation of deviance

Answer

Predict which individuals are likely to engage in deviant behavior based on personal characteristics

Answer

Rehabilitate deviant individuals by addressing underlying psychological or social issues

Answer

Prevent deviant behavior through early intervention and educational programs

Question 34

What are the primary characteristics that distinguish deviant behavior from non-deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Unusual and socially unacceptable

Answer

Genetically inherited and harmful

Answer

Intentional and illegal

Answer

Universal and unchanging

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT considered a defining characteristic of deviance according to Edwin Lemert?

Accepted Answer

Behavior that conforms to social norms

Answer

Behavior that violates social norms

Answer

Behavior that attracts negative sanctions

Answer

Behavior that is persistent over time

Question 36

Primary deviance refers to:

Accepted Answer

Initial acts of deviance that are not yet considered pathological

Answer

Deviance that is severely punished and socially condemned

Answer

Deviant behavior that becomes a persistent pattern

Question 37

According to the labeling perspective, deviance is best understood as:

Accepted Answer

A social construction based on societal reactions to behavior

Answer

A consequence of psychological pathology

Answer

An inherent quality of certain behaviors

Question 38

Who is considered a "moral entrepreneur" in the context of deviance?

Accepted Answer

A person or group that actively campaigns against a particular form of behavior

Answer

An individual who engages in deviant behavior

Answer

A researcher who studies the causes of deviance

Question 39

The concept of "differential association" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The idea that individuals learn deviant behavior through their interactions with others

Answer

The process by which deviant individuals are isolated from society

Answer

The tendency for deviance to run in families

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a normatively defined deviation?

Accepted Answer

Behavior that violates societal values or expectations

Answer

Behavior that is harmful or immoral

Answer

Behavior that is prohibited by law

Question 41

The concept of "social control" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The mechanisms by which society maintains order and conformity

Answer

The process by which deviant individuals are punished and isolated

Answer

The belief that deviance is inevitable and cannot be controlled

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of deviance, as defined by sociologists?

Accepted Answer

It is always positively evaluated by society.

Answer

It is labeled as deviant by others.

Answer

It violates social norms.

Answer

It is often seen as threatening.

Question 43

According to conflict theory, deviance is a result of:

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances in society.

Answer

Biological predispositions.

Answer

Socialization processes.

Answer

Psychological factors.

Question 44

Primary deviance refers to:

Accepted Answer

An initial act of deviance that does not lead to stigmatization.

Answer

A repeated act of deviance that reinforces an individual's deviant identity.

Answer

A severe act of deviance that is met with strong social disapproval.

Question 45

According to symbolic interactionism, deviance is:

Accepted Answer

A label that is applied to individuals who violate social norms, as defined by powerful groups in society.

Answer

A natural consequence of biological factors.

Answer

A form of mental illness.

Question 46

Social control theory argues that deviance:

Accepted Answer

Is more likely to occur when an individual's attachment to society is weak.

Answer

Is caused by environmental factors.

Answer

Is a symptom of mental illness.

Answer

Is a result of genetic inheritance.

Question 47

Differential association theory explains deviance as:

Accepted Answer

A learned behavior that is reinforced through interactions with others.

Answer

A product of social isolation.

Answer

An innate tendency.

Question 48

What is the best definition of deviance in a sociological context?

Accepted Answer

Any behavior that violates social norms or expectations.

Answer

Behavior that is harmful or dangerous to others.

Answer

Behavior that is considered immoral or unethical.

Answer

Behavior that is statistically uncommon or unusual.

Question 49

Which sociological perspective argues that deviance plays a vital role in maintaining social order?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist perspective.

Answer

Symbolic interactionist perspective.

Answer

Feminist perspective.

Answer

Conflict perspective.

Question 50

According to the conflict perspective, who typically benefits from the labeling of certain behaviors as deviant?

Accepted Answer

Those with power and influence in society.

Answer

Victims of deviant acts.

Answer

Society as a whole.

Answer

Individuals who engage in deviant behavior.

Question 51

How does someone become labeled as deviant in society?

Accepted Answer

Through social interactions and the interpretations of behavior by others.

Answer

Through legal prosecution and conviction.

Answer

Through psychological analysis and diagnosis.

Answer

Through genetic inheritance and predisposition.

Question 52

What is a common consequence of being labeled as deviant?

Accepted Answer

Stigmatization and discrimination.

Answer

Increased social status and acceptance.

Answer

Improved mental well-being and self-esteem.

Answer

Financial rewards and recognition.

Question 53

What is the primary role of social control in defining deviance?

Accepted Answer

It enforces social norms and sanctions those who violate them.

Answer

It has no direct influence on defining deviance.

Answer

It encourages deviance by weakening social bonds.

Question 54

What is the key difference between primary and secondary deviance?

Accepted Answer

Primary deviance is the initial act of rule-breaking, while secondary deviance involves accepting the deviant label and incorporating it into one's identity.

Answer

Primary deviance is more serious than secondary deviance.