SOCI 325 Mid-term I

How does society influence crime according to Henry Thomas Buckle?

Society prepares the crime, the criminal commits it.

What is the estimated number of stateless people worldwide according to UNHCR?

Around 10 million.

What is the focus of the course on deviance and control?

It examines deviance and control in society as social constructions subject to interpretation.

What are the objectives of the course on deviance and crime?

1. Explain the difficulty in defining crime and deviance. 2. Define deviance, non-conformity, conformity, and categorize crime. 3. Define and apply synopticism.

What does the term 'red tape' refer to in the context of bureaucracy?

It refers to the frustrating and often obstructive procedures and regulations in bureaucratic systems.

How is crime historically defined by most criminologists?

As behavior in violation of law.

What is the classical theory's basis for establishing laws?

Laws should be established when social harm occurs.

What significant change occurred in Canada regarding marital rights in 2005?

Marital rights were extended to gays and lesbians.

What do Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) define crime as?

The use of force and fraud.

What does Becker (1963) suggest about deviance?

Deviance is merely a label successfully attached to behavior, not related to the quality of the behavior itself.

According to Pfohl (1996), what constitutes deviance?

A violation of a social norm that elicits a reaction from society.

What are the four perspectives on the nature of deviance?

1. Absolutism (intrinsically real) 2. Relativism (a label) 3. Objectivism (observable) 4. Subjectivism (personal experience).

What is the difference between conformity and non-conformity?

Conformity is adherence to norms, while non-conformity is a normative violation without reaction.

Why is studying crime and deviance important?

1. Vicarious experience 2. Reform 3. Self-protection 4. Understanding oneself and others 5. Intellectual curiosity.

What does the term 'synopticism' refer to in the context of deviance?

The idea that there is no longer a clear distinction between deviance and normal behavior.

What is a common misconception about deviance?

Not all deviance is considered immoral or harmful to others.

What do Downes and Rock believe about the diversity of definitions of crime and deviance?

Such confusion and diversity should be embraced rather than viewed as a failing.

What is the problem with the term 'crime' in sociological analysis?

It restricts analysis to certain behaviors and may ignore relevant behaviors.

What is a key challenge in defining 'harm' in the context of crime?

Harm is a subjective term that can vary based on individual perspectives.

What is the relationship between crime and deviance?

Not all crimes are deviant, and not all deviance is criminal.

What is the significance of the phrase 'knowledge of deviance and crime'?

It emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of deviance and crime.

What does the course aim to illustrate about crime and deviance?

It aims to explore different definitions and social controls of crime and deviance.

What are the practical ramifications of defining deviance?

The way we define our subject significantly impacts the construction of theoretical explanations about the topic.

How do some argue that discussing deviance affects behavior?

Some argue that discussing a behavior in the context of deviance defines that behavior as deviant and suggest the term should be eradicated.

What is a key challenge in the sociology of deviance?

There is a lack of a coherent discipline with no common approach to studying deviance.

How do Marxists view deviance?

Marxists perceive deviance as liberating acts of rebellion against capitalism, while conformity is seen as collusion.

What do functionalists and control theorists believe about deviance?

They view institutional restraint as vital to social harmony.

What is the debate surrounding the study of behaviors like prostitution and marijuana use?

Some see them as victimless crimes, while others believe they contribute to various social issues.

How do definitions of deviance change over time?

Definitions evolve with societal attitudes towards behaviors such as smoking tobacco, gambling, and homosexuality.

What ethical question arises in studying homosexuality in the context of deviance?

Is it ethical to study homosexuality as a form of deviance?

What do Deutschmann and Downes & Rock suggest about theories of deviance?

Deutschmann claims one theory cannot explain all forms of deviance, while Downes and Rock suggest there may be no single truth.

What is the criticism of Clarke and Cornish/James Wilson regarding crime theories?

They dismiss theories of crime without providing suggestions for controlling it.

What do Schur, Becker, and Szaz argue about state interference?

They argue that state interference can lead to more deviance by branding individuals negatively.

What are the two key philosophical assumptions in sociology?

Epistemology (how to study society) and ontology (the nature of social reality).

What are the four requisites for establishing causality?

1. Variables should covary. 2. Temporal sequence must be established. 3. Covariance should be nonspurious. 4. Research should be theoretically based.

What does covariance mean in research?

Covariance indicates that variables are associated with one another.

What does temporal sequence imply in causality?

The cause must precede the effect, meaning the independent variable must come before the dependent variable.

What is a spurious relationship in research?

A spurious relationship occurs when two variables correlate but are both influenced by a third variable.

What is the importance of literature reviews in research?

Literature reviews help scholars understand existing knowledge and avoid spurious conclusions.

What is reliability in research?

Reliability refers to the consistency of findings across different studies.

What is validity in research?

Validity assesses whether the empirical measure accurately captures the real meaning of the concept being studied.

What common problems can arise in survey questions?

Problems include unclear questions, double-barreled questions, and issues with competent respondents.

What is an example of a double-barreled question?

Should the government reduce taxes on education and health care?

What is the significance of Durkheim's research on suicide?

It is considered reliable because it has been replicated and meets the tests of time.

What proposal has the Government of Quebec made regarding its relationship with Canada?

To negotiate a new agreement based on the equality of nations, granting Quebec sovereignty while maintaining economic ties.

What is required for any change in Quebec's political status?

Popular approval through another referendum.

What bias can arise from negative items in surveys?

Respondents may overlook negations, leading to inaccurate responses.

What are the four requirements for establishing causal relationships?

1. Correlation, 2. Time order, 3. Non-spuriousness, 4. Mechanism.

Define validity in research.

Validity refers to the accuracy of a measure or the extent to which it measures what it claims to measure.

Define reliability in research.

Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, or the extent to which it produces stable and consistent results.

What is the crime funnel?

A model illustrating the decreasing number of crimes from all incidents to those that are detected, reported, founded, taken to court, convicted, and incarcerated.

What is a CUCR?

Canadian Uniform Crime Reports, which document crimes reported to police.

What is a victimization survey?

A survey that asks individuals if they have been victims of crime to measure unreported incidents.

What are the limitations of victimization surveys?

Respondents may forget crimes, be reluctant to admit victimization, or not report 'victimless' crimes.

What is self-report data in criminology?

Data collected by asking individuals whether they have engaged in criminal behavior.

What is the significance of the crime funnel in understanding crime statistics?

It highlights the discrepancies between actual crime occurrences and those reported or recorded by authorities.

What are the different methods for studying crime and deviance?

Experiments, surveys, personal interviews, observation, participant observation, case studies, and content analysis.

What does Calhoun's experiment on population density and deviance reveal?

It suggests that high population density can lead to increased deviant behavior.

What were the two types of deviant behavior observed in Calhoun's rat study?

1. Excessive aggression (cannibalism, infanticide) and 2. Excessive passivity (apathy, careless mothering).

What is the main critique of Calhoun's study on rats and human behavior?

The behavior of rats cannot be directly applied to humans, as humans choose to live in cities while rats do not.

What is the purpose of personal interviews in research?

To gather detailed qualitative data through direct interaction with respondents.

What is the difference between structured and semi-structured interviews?

Structured interviews follow a strict set of questions, while semi-structured interviews allow for more flexibility and follow-up questions.

What ethical concerns arise from participant observation studies?

Issues of personal bias and the potential for ethical violations in observing individuals without their consent.

What is a case study in research?

An in-depth analysis of a particular event, individual, or group to understand complex issues.

What is the significance of the 'dark figures' of crime?

It refers to unreported or undetected crimes that are not captured in official statistics.

What is the importance of victimization studies in criminology?

They provide insights into the extent and nature of crime that is not reflected in official statistics.

What challenges do researchers face when measuring crime?

Challenges include underreporting, varying definitions of crime, and the reliability of self-reported data.

What is the role of experiments in criminological research?

Experiments allow researchers to observe the effects of specific actions or interventions on behavior.

What is content analysis in research?

A systematic analysis of documents, including audio and video recordings.

What historical event is referred to as 'the Bertuzzi Incident'?

An incident involving player statistics and history of punishment in sports.

What is the significance of victimization studies in understanding crime?

They help to better understand the impact and prevalence of crime.

What is the main focus of qualitative strategies in research?

Generating theories.

What do quantitative methods aim to achieve?

Verifying existing knowledge.

What does 'bad sociology' refer to?

Instances where sociological methods or conclusions are flawed or misleading.

What was the punishment for Damiens after his assassination attempt in 1757?

He was subjected to brutal torture and execution methods.

What is lex talionis?

The principle of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.'

What were the Salem witch trials?

A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in 1692 Massachusetts.

What was the Malleus Maleficarum?

A book that outlined how to identify and punish witches, suggesting that witches were often female.

What was the impact of the Malleus Maleficarum on society?

It contributed to mass hysteria and justified the persecution of those accused of witchcraft.

What are the seven deadly sins according to medieval beliefs?

Sloth, Anger, Lust, Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Greed.

How did torture function in ancient civilizations?

It was used to obtain information, frighten enemies, and seek vengeance.

What characterized the Middle Ages in terms of punishment?

Punishments were often arbitrary, brutal, and public, justified by the divine right of kings.

What is the Classical Perspective in sociology?

It views deviance as a result of rational choice and emphasizes the importance of deterrence in punishment.

What are the three basic elements of effective punishment according to classical theorists?

Swiftness (celerity), Certainty, and Severity.

What is the Mini-Max Theorem?

A concept that suggests individuals act to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

What was Jeremy Bentham's contribution to punishment theory?

He proposed that laws should be created based on demonstrable social harm.

What does Foucault argue about the Enlightenment's impact on punishment?

It brought significant changes to the understanding of deviance and methods of punishment.

What is the role of the legislative and judicial bodies in classical punishment theory?

Legislative bodies generate laws while judicial bodies determine guilt.

What were the methods of execution during the Salem witch trials?

Most were hanged, crushed, or died in prison; there were no witch burnings.

What does the term 'panopticon' refer to in punishment theory?

A design for a prison that allows all inmates to be observed by a single guard without them knowing whether they are being watched.

What is the significance of the term 'demonic perspective' in sociology?

It refers to the belief that deviance is caused by possession and temptation.

What are some criticisms of the classical theory of punishment?

It may overlook the complexities of human behavior and the social context of deviance.

What historical context contributed to the hysteria during the Salem witch trials?

Economic contraction, racism, and sexism combined with the influence of the Malleus Maleficarum.

What was the role of public executions in historical punishment?

They served as a deterrent and a spectacle for society.

How does the concept of rational punishment apply to modern justice systems?

It emphasizes the need for laws to be clear and for punishments to be proportionate to the crime.

What is the Classical Perspective on deviance?

It views deviance as a result of rational choice, where individuals act out of self-interest and seek to maximize pleasure while minimizing pain.

Who is associated with the quote about the power of the lawyer in relation to the law?

Jeremy Bentham

What does the mini-max theorem describe?

It describes the behavior of calculating, rational actors who weigh units of pleasure and pain in their decision-making.

What are the three basic elements of effective punishment according to classical theorists?

Swiftness (celerity), Certainty, and Severity.

What was the significance of the panopticon in classical theory?

It symbolizes the idea of constant surveillance as a means of social control and deterrence.