Key Concepts of Deviance

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to the study of deviance.

Deviance

The recognized violation of cultural norms.

Social deviance

Violation of social norms, including mores, folkways, and taboos.

Criminal deviance

Acts that break laws.

Statistical approach to deviance

Defining deviance as anything statistically unusual or having a low probability.

Legalistic approach to deviance

Defining deviance as any violation of the law.

Normative approach to deviance

Defining deviance as anything that evokes a disapproving response from others.

Absolutist perspective

The view that some behaviors are inherently, objectively deviant.

Relativist perspective

Devience is only deviant to the extent that cultures regard it as such.

Stigmatization

Physical traits or social conditions that are devalued in society.

Criminalization

Collectively defining a trait or social condition as criminal.

Medicalization

Transforming deviant behaviors into medical problems.

Structural strain theory

Theory suggesting that deviance results from blocked opportunities.

Social control theory

Theory positing that deviance occurs due to weakened social bonds.

Differential association theory

The idea that deviance is learned through interactions with deviant peers.

Labeling theory

The theory that deviance is caused by external judgments that alter self-concept.

Primary deviance

The initial instance of deviance that attracts a deviant label.

Secondary deviance

Further instances of deviance resulting from the initial label.

Stigma

A negative social label that influences behavior and identity.

Stereotype threat

Fear of performing poorly due to negative stereotypes.

Stereotype promise

Positive stereotypes leading to positive performance outcomes.

Conflict theory

The view that deviance arises from social conflict and inequality.

Deterrence

Preventing crime through the threat of harsh penalties.

Retribution

Seeking retaliation or revenge for a crime.

Incapacitation

Removing criminals from society by imprisoning them.

Rehabilitation

Reforming criminals for reinsertion into society.

Positive deviance

Acts outside the norm that may be considered heroic.