Deviance, Norms, and Social Control: Key Sociology Concepts

What is deviance?

Behaviors, conditions, or people that are disvalued, condemned, or seen as offensive by society.

Is deviance universal?

No, it varies by time, place, culture, and group.

What is the reactivist (relativist) definition of deviance?

Deviance exists through the reactions of others; no act is inherently deviant.

What are proscriptive norms?

Expectations for behavior that indicate what people should NOT do.

What are prescriptive norms?

Expectations for behavior that indicate what people SHOULD do.

What is the normative definition of deviance?

Deviance is defined as the violation of social norms.

What is the statistical definition of deviance?

Behavior that is rare or unusual.

What is the absolutist definition of deviance?

Assumes agreement on right and wrong, but is criticized.

What are social roles?

Bundles of norms tied to positions such as student or worker.

What are sanctions?

Reactions to norm violations, which can be positive or negative.

What is the relationship between differentiation and deviance?

Differentiation refers to social differences that can increase chances of being labeled deviant.

How does social power relate to deviance?

Social power allows groups to define norms and enforce them, often leading to unequal treatment.

What is a subculture?

A group with its own norms and values, where acts considered deviant in one group may be normal in another.

What is the relativity of deviance?

Deviance changes over time and is a relative phenomenon.

What is internalization in social control?

The process where people accept norms as their own.

What is informal social control?

Control exercised by family, friends, and peers, often through gossip, praise, or shame.

What is formal social control?

Control applied by agents such as police, courts, and schools.

What is the consensus view of law?

Law reflects shared values of society.

What is the conflict view of law?

Law reflects the interests of powerful groups.

What is primary deviance?

Occasional rule-breaking without a deviant identity.

What is secondary deviance?

When deviance becomes part of a person's identity, often leading to entry into deviant subcultures.

What are folkways?

Everyday customs whose violations are seen as minor.

What are mores?

Moral norms whose violations are seen as serious.

What is labeling theory?

The idea that deviance is created by society and results from labeling.

What are the consequences of labeling?

Changes in public identity, acquisition of a master status, and increased likelihood of continued deviance.

What is anomie according to Durkheim?

A breakdown of moral regulation leading to confusion and moral panics.

What is the core argument regarding criminal records?

A criminal record creates lasting stigma and reinforces deviant identity.

What is the sociological imagination?

The ability to link personal troubles to public issues.