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Theories of Deviance

Theories of deviance in sociology explore why individuals engage in behaviors that violate societal norms. Key frameworks include structural functionalism, which emphasizes the functions of deviance in defining cultural values and moral boundaries, and symbolic interactionism, which focuses on the meanings individuals ascribe to their actions. Understanding these theories is significant as it helps students analyze the complex relationship between societal expectations and individual behaviors.

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1

Which of the following best describes secondary deviance in the context of social behavior?

Secondary deviance happens when someone is labeled as a deviant. Other options are incorrect because Some people think deviance is just in our genes; ...

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2

How do moral entrepreneurs influence societal norms related to deviance?

Moral entrepreneurs create laws based on their own beliefs about right and wrong. Other options are incorrect because Some might think moral entrepren...

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3

According to symbolic interactionism, how does stigma impact an individual's identity and behavior in society?

Stigma can make people feel bad about themselves. Other options are incorrect because Some might think stigma helps people fit in; It's a common belie...

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4

Which of the following statements best illustrates how functionalism and symbolic interactionism explain deviance in the context of anomie?

Deviance happens when society is unstable. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that deviance only comes from personal choices; This says...

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5

How does functionalist theory explain secondary deviance in the context of social norms?

Functionalist theory says that when someone breaks a rule, like stealing, society reacts. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests tha...

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6

Which theory of deviance suggests that deviance is a result of social labels and the societal reaction to those labels?

Labeling Theory says that when society labels someone as deviant, that person may start to act in that way. Other options are incorrect because This t...

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7

According to functionalist theory, which of the following best describes the role of deviance in society?

Deviance helps society by showing what is right and wrong. Other options are incorrect because Some think deviance causes chaos; This view sees devian...

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8

According to conflict theory, what primarily influences definitions of deviance in society?

Conflict theory says that those with more money and power shape what is seen as deviant. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that eve...

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9

Which theory of deviance best explains how societal norms create a framework for understanding both criminal behavior and non-violent resistance?

This theory shows how society's rules help us understand both crime and peaceful protests. Other options are incorrect because This theory focuses on ...

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10

In the context of deviance, _______ emphasizes the role of societal reactions in defining deviant behavior and the meanings individuals attach to their actions.

This theory focuses on how people interact and how society's reactions shape what is seen as deviant. Other options are incorrect because This theory ...

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11

A community is experiencing a rise in graffiti art that some residents view as vandalism while others see it as a form of self-expression. How might symbolic interactionism explain the differing views on this behavior?

Symbolic interactionism looks at how people create meaning in their lives. Other options are incorrect because This idea assumes all graffiti is bad a...

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12

What underlying sociological factors might lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior, such as robbery, despite societal norms that condemn such actions?

Social structures, like poverty or lack of jobs, can push people to see crime as a way to survive. Other options are incorrect because This idea sugge...

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13

How do structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism differently explain the reasons behind deviant behavior?

Structural functionalism believes that deviance helps keep society stable. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that being alone c...

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14

Which of the following statements accurately reflect the theories of deviance in sociology? Select all that apply.

None of the statements accurately reflect the theories of deviance. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that deviance helps us unde...

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15

Arrange the following theories of deviance in the order they address the relationship between societal norms and individual behavior: A) Structural Functionalism, B) Symbolic Interactionism, C) Conflict Theory, D) Labeling Theory.

This order shows how society's rules shape behavior. Other options are incorrect because This order suggests that understanding individual actions com...

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16

Which of the following behaviors best exemplifies the concept of deviance as understood in structural functionalism?

Stealing to survive shows how people might break rules when they face extreme needs. Other options are incorrect because Protesting can be seen as a w...

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17

Structural functionalism is to societal norms as symbolic interactionism is to ____?

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how people create meanings in their lives. Other options are incorrect because Some might think this theory deals w...

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