Social Control and Deviance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to social control, deviance, and the sociological perspectives provided in the lecture notes.

Social Control

Ways in which society tries to prevent and sanction behavior that violates norms.

Formal Social Control

Control mechanism for behavior that violates formal norms, typically involving the legal system.

Informal Social Control

Control mechanism for behavior that violates informal norms, involving social reactions like anger or ridicule.

Deviance

Behavior that violates social norms, which can vary significantly across different societies and contexts.

Émile Durkheim

Sociologist who argued that deviance is a normal part of society and serves important functions.

Collective Conscience

The set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.

Relativity of Deviance

The idea that behaviors considered deviant can vary based on the time period, location, and societal context.

Howard S. Becker

Sociologist who stated that deviance is not a quality of the act, but rather a consequence of applied rules or sanctions.

Contextual Relativity of Behavior

The notion that the interpretation of behavior as deviant depends on the circumstances surrounding the behavior.

Corporate Deviance

Harmful behaviors committed by corporations, often not labeled as deviant due to the status of those involved.