Unit 3: Microsociology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from Unit 3: Microsociology related to sociological theories of crime and deviance.

Social Process Theories

Theories that explain how societal factors influence individual behavior and deviance.

Labelling Theory

A theory suggesting that self-identity and behavior of individuals may be influenced by the terms used to describe them.

Stigma

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Primary Deviance

Initial acts of rule-breaking that do not impact an individual's self-concept.

Social Structure Theories

Theories that focus on societal factors that contribute to deviancy.

Secondary Deviance

Deviance that occurs as a result of being labeled as deviant.

Deviance Amplification

The process where society's reaction to an individual leads to increased deviance.

Strain Theory

A theory suggesting that societal pressure can drive individuals to commit deviant acts.

Social Conflict Theories

Theories that explain deviance as a result of social conflicts and inequalities.

Radical Criminology

A branch of criminology that focuses on social inequality and critiques the legal system.

Social Control Theory

The theory that proposes that social relationships and institutions serve to encourage conformity.

Attachment

The emotional bond that connects individuals to others.

Belief

A person's conviction that certain behaviors are wrong or right.

Commitment

The investment individuals have in conventional activities.

Involvement

Participation in conventional activities that limit the opportunity for deviance.

Differential Association

A theory that suggests deviance is learned through interactions with others.

Social Bonds

The connections individuals have to society that may promote conformity.

Commitment to conformity

The level of involvement in socially acceptable behavior.

Self-control

The ability to regulate one's emotions and behaviors.

Stratified society

A society divided into different levels or classes.

Social classes

Categories of people sharing similar socio-economic status.

Culture of poverty

A social theory that argues that poverty perpetuates itself through generational transmission of values.

Underclass

A category of people who are disadvantaged and often live in poverty.

Strain

Stress that results from the inability to achieve societal goals.

Anomie

A societal condition that arises when norms and values are unclear or breakdown.

Conformity

Adherence to social norms and expectations.

Ritualism

A type of deviance where individuals rigidly adhere to rules but lose sight of the goals.

Innovation

The use of unconventional means to achieve socially accepted goals.

Retreatism

A response to strain where individuals withdraw from society's goals.

Rebellion

The rejection of established norms and goals, replaced with new ones.