Key Terms in Deviance and Social Stratification

Flashcards containing key terms and definitions related to deviance, social stratification, and criminal justice.

tertiary deviance

Deviance that occurs when a person who has been labeled a deviant seeks to normalize the behavior by relabeling it as nondeviant.

strain theory

The proposition that people feel strain when they are exposed to cultural goals that they are unable to obtain due to lack of access to culturally approved means.

terrorism

The unlawful use of physical force or threats of violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce for political, religious, economic, or social objectives.

corporate crime

Illegal acts committed by corporate employees on behalf of the corporation and with its support.

deviance

Any behavior, belief, or condition that violates social norms in the society or group in which it occurs.

labeling theory

The proposition that deviance is a socially constructed process where social control agencies designate certain people as deviants.

occupational crime

Illegal activities committed by people in the course of their employment or financial affairs.

primary deviance

The initial act of rule breaking.

social bond theory

The proposition that the probability of deviant behavior increases when a person's ties to society are weakened or broken.

absolute poverty

A level of economic deprivation where people do not have the means to secure the most basic necessities of life.

class conflict

Karl Marx's term for the struggle between the capitalist class and the working class.

feminization of poverty

Trend in which women are disproportionately represented among individuals living in poverty.

meritocracy

A hierarchy in which all positions are rewarded based on people's ability and credentials.

socioeconomic status (SES)

A combined measure that attempts to classify individuals or families in terms of income, occupation, and education.

dependency theory

The belief that global poverty can partially be attributed to the exploitation of low-income countries by high-income countries.

modernization theory

A perspective linking global economic development suggesting that low-income economies can move to higher income levels.

world systems theory

A perspective that examines the role of capitalism in a global system held together by economic ties.

working class (proletariat)

Marx's term for those who sell their labor to owners to earn enough money to survive.