📚 Learning Guide
Theories of Deviance
hard

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

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Deviance is a natural response to social instability and serves to reinforce societal norms.

B

Deviance is primarily a result of individual choices influenced by societal labels.

C

Both perspectives argue that deviance is solely caused by economic inequality.

D

Functionalism and symbolic interactionism both reject the notion of societal norms.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

Functionalism and symbolic interactionism offer different views on why people might engage in deviance, especially in times of anomie, which is a state of normlessness in society. Functionalism suggests that deviance can actually help society by highlighting issues and encouraging changes in norms and values. For example, if many people start breaking laws due to economic hardship, it signals that the society needs to address these problems, leading to reforms. On the other hand, symbolic interactionism focuses on the meanings and definitions that individuals attach to their actions; it suggests that deviance occurs when people learn through interactions that certain behaviors are acceptable. For instance, if a person grows up in a community where stealing is seen as a way to survive, they may come to see it as a normal response to their situation, illustrating how personal experiences shape their view of deviance.

Detailed Explanation

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

Key Concepts

Functionalism
Symbolic interactionism
Anomie
Topic

Theories of Deviance

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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