deviance & defiance

chapter 5 of terrible, magnificent sociology

What characterizes deviance according to the lecture notes?

Behaviors and beliefs that violate social expectations and attract negative sanctions.

Which two theories explain deviance?

Structural functionalism and conflict theory.

What does structural functionalism assert about society?

Society is constructed by synchronized parts that work together to create social stability.

What is conflict theory's viewpoint on society?

It describes how society is made up of competing interests.

How may deviance be socially constructed?

Through interaction, and those definitions can vary throughout culture and history.

What are the three processes that can classify someone as deviant?

Stigmatization, criminalization, and medicalization.

According to strain theory, where does the cause of deviance originate?

Outside forces, not the individual.

What is differential association theory?

It states that one must be recruited into and taught deviance through social networks.

What does social disorganization theory suggest?

It suggests that deviant behavior is more likely in dysfunctional neighborhoods.

What does neutralization theory explain about rule-breaking?

It explains how deviance is facilitated by developing culturally resonant rationales

What is labeling theory as proposed by Howard Becker?

It states that labels influence our behavior and can cause discrimination or become self-fulfilling prophecies.

What is the significance of deviance according to structural functionalism?

Important agent of social change and helps maintain social stability by nurturing collective conscience.

What can result from widespread normlessness or anomie?

Collective confusion, weakened social cohesion, and possible functional breakdown of societal structures.

How does conflict theory view social rules?

As created by those in power to favor them, often leading to marginalization of others.

What is the role of deviance in the context of marginalized groups?

Provides a means to fight back against an unfair society.

What research method do sociologists use to study historical events related to conflict theory?

They utilize historical sociology, which involves collecting and analyzing data about past events.