Sociological Perspectives on Deviance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the sociology of deviance, focusing on definitions and concepts discussed in the lecture.

Deviance

Any behavior that is recognized as violating expected rules or norms.

Folkways

Informal norms or everyday customs that may be violated without serious consequences.

Anomie

A state of normlessness where societal norms are confused, unclear, or simply absent.

Social context

The environment or situation that surrounds an event, influencing how it is perceived.

Norm

A standard or rule that is expected to be followed in a given society.

Conformity

The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to social norms.

Innovation

A mode of adaptation where someone finds new, often unapproved ways to achieve societal goals.

Ritualism

Giving up on societal goals but continuing to adhere to the means of achieving them.

Retreatism

Rejecting both societal goals and the means of achieving them.

Rebellion

Rejecting both existing societal goals and means, and advocating for new ones.

Strain theory

Proposes that deviance occurs when there is a disconnect between societal goals and the means available to achieve them.

Routine activities theory

Suggests that crime occurs when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship.

Status events

Social dynamics that affect how behaviors are labeled as deviant, often influenced by societal power structures.

Twinkie defense

A legal defense that claims a defendant's mental state was affected by their diet, as seen in a famous murder trial.

Moral panic

A widespread fear, often irrational, that someone or something is a threat to societal norms.

Labeling theory

Suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act but rather focuses on the societal reaction to the act.

Biological determinism

The idea that biological factors are the primary determinants of human behavior, including criminality.

Social power

The ability of individuals or groups to influence others or control resources, affecting definitions of deviance.

Criminalization

The process by which behaviors are defined as illegal by law.