Bullying, Social Disorganization, and Strain Theories in Sociology

What is bullying?

Unwanted behavior that is physical, verbal, or social, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power.

What are the types of bullying?

Verbal, social, physical, and cyberbullying.

What constitutes verbal bullying?

Teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, and threatening to cause harm.

What is social bullying?

Hurting someone's reputation or relationships, such as leaving someone out on purpose or spreading rumors.

What does physical bullying involve?

Hurting a person's body or possessions, including hitting, kicking, or breaking someone's things.

What are some consequences of bullying?

Psychological issues, fear, aggression, concentration problems, and potential suicidal thoughts.

What are common myths about bullying?

Myths include that bullying is mostly in large schools, is a reaction to frustration, and that certain physical characteristics define victims.

What percentage of females report being bullied?

1 in 4 females.

What is the most widespread bullying prevention program?

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

What is the Chicago School of Sociology known for?

Studying urban problems and social changes in Chicago using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

What are the stages of research in the Chicago School of Sociology?

Identifying physical and social changes, studying juvenile delinquency, and linking delinquency to larger economic and social processes.

What factors are correlated with social disorganization?

Poverty, racial/ethnic heterogeneity, turnover, and female-headed household rates.

What critiques exist regarding Social Disorganization Theory?

Critiques include potential class bias in delinquency data and an overemphasis on demographics rather than a logical framework.

What is the impact of bullying on adulthood?

The effects of bullying can continue into adulthood for both victims and perpetrators.

What is cyberbullying?

Bullying that occurs through technology, such as social media or texting.

What should schools do to prevent bullying?

Increase awareness, train personnel, inform parents, enforce clear rules, and encourage bystander intervention.

What is the relationship between social cohesion and collective efficacy?

Stronger ties between individuals and institutions lead to increased collective efficacy.

What is a common finding regarding bullying rates in schools?

6th grade is when bullying rates are typically higher.

What is the 'broken windows thesis'?

A theory suggesting that visible signs of disorder and neglect cause an increase in crime.

What are the assumptions of Anomie Theory?

Society is characterized by consensus, with the American dream representing economic success and legitimate means to achieve it.

What does structural anomie refer to?

Motivation for delinquency arising from inequalities in the class structure.

What is Merton's concept of Anomie?

A state where low socioeconomic status (SES) individuals accept success goals but face blocked legitimate means to achieve them.

What is the gap between goals and means according to Merton?

It leads to anomie, which is a stressful condition affecting societal adaptation.

What are the modes of adaptation in Merton's theory?

Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

What does 'Innovation' mean in Merton's modes of adaptation?

Committing a crime to achieve success goals when legitimate means are blocked.

What is 'Ritualism' in Merton's adaptation modes?

Going through the motions without pursuing success goals.

Define 'Retreatism' in Merton's theory.

Withdrawal from societal goals and means, often associated with substance abuse.

What is 'Rebellion' in the context of Merton's adaptation modes?

Rejecting societal goals and means while proposing alternative values.

What is the main argument of Messner and Rosenfeld's Institutional Anomie?

Economics is the dominant institution in American culture, affecting family, education, politics, and law.

How does greater anomie relate to crime rates according to Messner and Rosenfeld?

Higher levels of anomie in society lead to increased crime and delinquency.

What are the policy implications of Merton's Anomie theory?

Increase education and job opportunities for lower SES individuals to reduce crime.

What is Cohen's Status Frustration Theory?

It suggests that lower SES individuals experience strain due to blocked opportunities to achieve middle-class success.

What are the three types of boys identified in Cohen's theory?

Corner boys, College boys, and Delinquent boys.

What is the outcome of the HighScope - Perry Preschool Study?

High-quality preschool programs lead to better cognitive skills, lower delinquency, and higher graduation rates.

What is Cloward and Ohlin's Differential Opportunity Theory?

It posits that access to legitimate and illegitimate opportunities varies by neighborhood, affecting delinquency.

What are the three types of gangs according to Cloward and Ohlin?

Criminal gangs, Conflict gangs, and Retreatist gangs.

What characterizes Criminal gangs?

Well-organized adult criminals who provide illegitimate opportunities for youth.

What distinguishes Conflict gangs?

Groups formed in communities with no legitimate opportunities, often engaging in violence and petty crime.

What defines Retreatist gangs?

Groups that have given up on both legitimate and illegitimate means, often associated with drug use.

What is the main critique of Merton's Anomie theory?

It oversimplifies delinquency as limited to lower classes and ignores other factors influencing crime.

What does the term 'status frustration' refer to in Cohen's theory?

The strain felt by lower SES individuals due to their inability to achieve middle-class standards of success.

What is the significance of neighborhood structures in delinquency?

Neighborhoods with blocked legitimate opportunities may foster illegitimate opportunities, influencing gang formation.

What are the long-term outcomes of quality preschool programs?

Higher incomes, lower crime rates, and better overall life outcomes in adulthood.

How does the concept of cultural capital relate to Cohen's theory?

Cultural capital affects access to education and success, creating disparities for lower SES individuals.

What is the 'American dream' in the context of Anomie Theory?

The societal belief that success is achievable through hard work and legitimate means.

What is the importance of mentoring programs in reducing delinquency?

They provide guidance and support to youth, helping them navigate challenges and access opportunities.