Sociology: Deviance, Crime, and Punishment

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to deviance, crime, and punishment in sociology.

Deviance

Nonconformity to widely accepted norms; not always illegal.

Crime

Law-breaking behavior; not all crimes are viewed as deviant.

Norms

Social rules or expectations that guide behavior.

Mores

Morally serious norms that provoke strong reactions when violated.

Folkways

Everyday norms that govern casual interactions.

Anomie

A state of normlessness leading to disorientation.

Strain Theory

Merton's theory that examines the gap between cultural goals and legitimate means.

Differential Association

Theory by Sutherland that suggests deviance is learned through close associations.

Labeling Theory

The theory that acts aren't inherently deviant, but are labeled as such, impacting identity.

Control Theory

Hirschi's theory that suggests bonds to society restrain people from offending.

White Collar Crime

Non-violent crime committed for financial gain within a business or professional setting.

Corporate Crime

Systemic violations in environmental laws, labor laws, and financial regulations.

Victimization Survey

A survey that gathers data on crimes suffered by individuals, revealing unreported crimes.

Gender Contract

Sociological concept describing the societal expectations regarding gender roles.

Urban Subcultures of Violence

Cultural groups within urban areas where violence may be normalized.

Cybercrime

Criminal activities conducted via the internet, often underreported and high-cost.