Crime and Social Inequality

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture on crime and social inequality.

Deviance

Behavior that violates societal norms or expectations.

Labeling Theory

A sociological theory that posits that labels applied to individuals can influence their self-identity and behavior.

Primary Deviance

The initial act of rule-breaking that may lead to labeling.

Secondary Deviance

Deviance that occurs after primary deviance, often as a result of being labeled.

Strain Theory

Developed by Robert Merton, it suggests that societal structures can pressure individuals to commit crimes.

Social Control

Mechanisms, strategies, and institutions that prevent and respond to deviance.

Wealth

Total value of all assets owned by an individual, minus liabilities.

Caste System

A system of social stratification where individuals are assigned roles based on their birth.

Meritocracy

A social system in which success is based on individual merit, such as talent or effort.

Institutional Discrimination

Discrimination that occurs when institutions or organizations enforce policies that result in unequal treatment of certain groups.

Food Deserts

Areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move within the social hierarchy.

Segregation

The enforced separation of different racial or ethnic groups.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Cultural Pluralism

A model of society where multiple cultures coexist while retaining their individual cultural identities.

Ethnicity

Shared cultural practices, perspectives, and distinctions that set apart one group of people from another.

Stereotyping

Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a group of people that can lead to prejudice.

Conflict Perspective

A sociological approach that views society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources.

Prejudice

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.