Social Networks and Deviance Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms, sociological theories, and concepts related to social networks and deviance as discussed in the lecture.

Chambliss’ “The Saints and The Roughnecks”

A study comparing two deviant groups; roughnecks were more violent due to bias/discrimination, demeanor, and visibility.

Induction

The mechanism whereby social behaviors or characteristics spread from one person to another.

Contagion

A process similar to induction where behaviors or characteristics catch on from a source.

Homophily

The tendency of individuals to associate with others who are similar to themselves.

Confounding

A third factor that impacts the relationship between two variables.

Widowhood effect

The phenomenon where a surviving partner may die soon after the loss of their spouse, often attributed to grief.

Individual network power

The ability of individuals to influence connections and behaviors of people far removed from them in social networks.

Social capital

The networks, norms of reciprocity, and mutual trust that exist among and within groups and communities.

Bridging-type social capital

A type of social capital that connects different groups.

Bonding-type social capital

The type of social capital that unites members within a group.

Weak ties

Acquaintances that provide access to new information and opportunities, often more valuable than strong ties.

Bureaucracy

An organizational model designed to perform tasks efficiently with a clear hierarchy and division of labor.

Division of labor

The process of breaking down a task into smaller jobs, with different people handling different tasks.

Hierarchy

A clear chain of command where every employee has a boss.

Purposely impersonal

The practice of treating all individuals equally, disregarding individual differences in a bureaucratic context.

Qualification based on technical knowledge

Hiring and promotion within a bureaucracy based on individuals' qualifications, not personal connections.

Formal written rules

Documentation that informs employees on procedures and handling situations in a bureaucracy.

Simmel’s dyad

A group of two people.

Simmel’s triad

A group of three people.

Large group

A group characterized by formal structures mediating interaction, leading to status differentiation.

Party

A multifocal group that resembles a small group but allows for more flexible interaction.

Mediator

In a triad, the individual who resolves conflict.

Tertius gauden

A triad member who benefits from the disagreements between the other two members.

Divide et Impera

A technique used by one member in a triad to create discord between the other two members.

McDonaldization

The process where principles of fast food dominate other social sectors, focusing on efficiency, predictability, and control.

Irrationality of rationality

The concept that rational systems can lead to irrational outcomes, especially in the long term.

Differential Association Theory

The theory that deviance is learned through interaction with various groups.

Labeling Theory

The theory that society's labels affect individuals' perceptions of themselves and their behavior.

Social Disorganization Theory

The theory that deviance is influenced by the social cohesion and resources of a community.

Strain Theory

The theory positing that society encourages individuals to want cultural goals but may restrict access to approved means of achieving them.

Conflict Theory

The perspective that deviance serves the interests of those in power, often at the expense of subordinates.

Feminist Theory

The analysis of deviance through the lens of gender inequality and societal norms regarding appropriate behavior.

Social networks are

living things.

We are embedded in

social networks.

High Bridging/High Bonding (Progressive Participation)

People have a sense of belonging, are able to share ideas between groups, and participate in decision-making.

Low Bridging/High Bonding (Strong Boundaries)

People cluster together in groups but have little communication between groups; tends to be “cliquey.”

High Bridging/Low Bonding (Clientelism)

There is little bonding within the community; links are with those outside the community.

Low Bridging/Low Bonding (Extreme Individualism)

Everyone for themselves.

Characteristics of McDonaldization

Predictability, Efficiency, Calculability/Measurement, Control, and Substituting humans with technology

Example of Irrationality of Rationality

Large class sizes, while efficient, will cause disruption problems.

What are sociological questions about deviance?

Social factors that encourage or discourage deviance. Social experience of deviance. Societal attitudes about deviance.

What else are sociologists particularly interested in?

Social Reactions

Three Points

Who commits it, people’s reaction to it, and consequences

What happens when label theory occurs?

society/group define an act/identity as being deviant, and sanctions/penalties are applied

What are the consequences of labeling theory?

Alienation, Increased association with deviants, and Growing identification with deviant status

Social Control Theory

Certain factors work against our tendency to deviate from social norms. The stronger our bonds with society, the more effective are our inner controls.

4 Social Controls

Attachments, Commitments, Involvements, and Beliefs

What has been happening to US crime rates in the past few decades?

Decrease

How do incarceration rates in the US compare to other countries?

Incarceration rates in the US are higher.

What are four reasons thought to partially explain the state of incarceration rates in the US?

Protection, Deterrence, Punishment (Retribution), and Rehabilitation

Be prepared to explain sociologically the factors you think would be necessary for a rehab-focused prison (such as Bastoy) to succeed in the US. Answers that are not sociological will not be given points, so be sure you understand what is meant by a “sociological” analysis (for example, rather than a psychological analysis).

The USA has a larger population and a higher incarceration rate than most places. It would be extremely costly to employ it, considering all of the people incarcerated. The culture towards crime in the US is different compared to other places.

An individual will be able to use marijuana for pleasure only when he

l(1) learns to smoke it in a way that will produce real effects, (2) learns to recognize the effects and connect them with drug use, and (3) learns to enjoy the sensations he perceives