Deviance, Theories, and Social Control – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key sociological concepts from the lecture notes on deviance, theories, stigma, and the criminal justice system.

Deviance

Behavior that departs from a social norm and is met with negative social reaction.

Norm

A social standard that guides expected behavior in a group or society.

Negative social reaction

The social response that penalizes or discourages deviation; can be informal or formal sanctions.

Functionalism

Macro theory viewing society as a stable system; deviance can contribute to social order and change by drawing boundaries and prompting reform.

Structural strain theory

Merton's idea that gaps between culturally prescribed goals and legitimate means generate deviance; modes include conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

Innovation (Merton mode)

Accepting cultural goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them.

Differential association

Deviance is learned through interaction with deviant peers.

Labeling theory

Deviance results from how others label and treat individuals; labeling can influence self-concept and further deviance.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A prediction that causes itself to become true because of the belief and actions it inspires.

Stigma

A social attribute that is devalued and can lead to exclusion and marginalization.

Physical stigma

Stigma based on physical or bodily differences.

Moral stigma

Stigma based on perceived character or morality.

Tribal stigma

Stigma based on membership in a discredited or oppressed group.

Passing

Concealing stigmatized attributes or blending into the mainstream to avoid stigma.

In-group orientation / reorientation

Rejecting external stigma by developing an alternative identity and norms that value the group.

Symbolic interactionism

A micro-level theory focusing on how people create social meanings through everyday interactions.

Thomas theorem

If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.

Deterrence

Punishment designed to discourage crime by making the costs outweigh the benefits.

Retribution

Punishment designed to repay society for the offense.

Incapacitation

Removing the offender from society (e.g., imprisonment) to prevent further crime.

Pipeline to prison

The sequence of criminal justice steps—arrest, charging, trial, conviction, sentencing, incarceration—that disproportionately affects marginalized groups.

Conflict theory

Macro theory arguing laws reflect the interests of the powerful and reproduce social inequality.

Criminal justice disparities

Systematic differences in arrest, charging, trial, and sentencing based on race, class, or other factors.

Deviance codified as law

Deviant behavior that becomes illegal through legal codification (law and policy changes).