Introduction to Sociology - Chapter 7: Deviance, Crime, and Punishment

These flashcards cover key concepts, theories, and discussions from Chapter 7 of the Intro to Sociology lecture, focusing on crime, deviance, and the social implications surrounding these phenomena.

What is deviance?

Deviance refers to modes of action that do not conform to the norms or values held by most members of a group or society.

What is a deviant subculture?

A deviant subculture is a subculture whose members hold values that differ substantially from those of the majority.

What is the role of norms in society?

Norms are rules of conduct that specify appropriate behavior in social situations, and they are backed by sanctions to promote conformity.

Who are the main theorists associated with functionalist theories of crime?

The main theorist associated with functionalist theories of crime is Émile Durkheim and Robert K. Merton.

What does Durkheim mean by the term 'anomie'?

Anomie refers to a situation where social norms lose their hold over individual behavior, leading to feelings of disorientation and anxiety.

What are Merton's five types of individual responses to social strain?

Merton identified five types: conformist, innovator, ritualist, retreatist, and rebel.

What does 'relative deprivation' refer to?

Relative deprivation is the deprivation one feels by comparing oneself with a group.

What is labeling theory?

Labeling theory suggests that people become deviant because certain labels are attached to their behavior by political authorities and others.

What does control theory suggest about crime?

Control theory posits that crime results from an imbalance between impulses toward criminal activity and the controls that deter it.

What is the main concern regarding mass incarceration in the U.S.?

Mass incarceration is criticized for having a harmful impact, especially on Black communities, and is seen as serving the interests of a privatized prison-industrial complex.

What issues surround cybercrime?

Cybercrime involves criminal activities conducted via electronic networks, such as identity theft and electronic vandalism, and is often underreported.

What is community policing?

Community policing emphasizes crime prevention rather than law enforcement and aims to reintegrate policing within the community.

What are the effects of gender on crime rates?

Gender affects crime rates, with men being arrested more frequently than women, and differences in crime types can be attributed to socialization.

What did criminologists identify as causes for the decline in crime rates since the 1990s?

Causes include better economic conditions, rise in home security systems, targeted police work, and less widespread drug use.