Sociology Crime and Deviance
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Which personal characteristic of an individual would a sociologist be most likely to address when trying to determine the cause of an individual's deviant behavior?
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their social class
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Al Capone, \"Lucky\" Luciano, John Gotti, and other heads of organized crime fall under which mode of adaptation?
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innovator
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Based on Merton's strain theory, drug addicts, alcoholics, the homeless, and others who have rejected both the cultural goals and the institutionalized means of achieving them are engaged in which mode of adaptation?
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retreatists
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Who was the sociologist who described deviance this way: Its not the act itself but the reactions to the act, that make something deviant?\"
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Howard Becker
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Which concept of culture is credited with making social life possible and behavior predictable?
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norms
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According to Walter Reckless, what are the two variables that work against an individuals's temptation to engage in deviant behavior?
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inner and outer controls
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Based on their relationship to sociological theory, which of the following theories of deviance least belongs with the other three?
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Does not belong: A the theory of differential association ----------------------------------- B theories of intelligence C body type theory D the XYY chromosome theory
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Which sociological perspective is inclined to view the law as an instrument of repression and a tool designed to maintain the powerful in their privileged positions?
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conflict perspective
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What are the unwritten, taken-for-granted \"rules\" that underlie our everyday lives, such as not yelling \"fire\" in a crowed store or movie theater?
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background assumptions
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What term refers to crimes committed by people of respectable and high social status in the course of their occupations?
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white collar crime
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Who was one of the first sociologists to address a control theory based on inner and outer controls?
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Walter Reckless
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Although some speculate there is a connection between mental illness and criminal acts
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Both A and B are true -there is a movement to screen for mental illness more in childhood -95% of crimes are not done by people with mental illness
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For a deviant act to be classified as a crime, what quality must pertain to it?
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It must be a rule written into law.
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Which theory of deviance places significance on names or reputations given to people when they engage in certain types of behavior?
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labeling theory
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What are the two primary variables addressed in strain theory, each of which contributes to determining an individual's mode of adaptation?
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cultural goals and institutionalized means
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As part of his court martial, Captain Savage was publicly stripped of his rank insignia, the buttons of his uniform were ripped off, and he was banished from the cavalry. What did this ritual following a court martial represent?
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a degradation ceremony
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Sociobiologists assume that _____ lead people to such deviances as juvenile delinquency.
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genetic predispositions
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Which technique of neutralization is reflected by the comment, \"Who are you to talk?\"
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condemnation of the condemner
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On the first Friday of every month, Joseph stalks elderly women as they find a bank to cash their Social Security checks. After they leave the bank he snatches their purses, taking the cash. When asked by a fellow thug if he ever had second thoughts about stealing from the elderly, Joseph responded, \" Never... these old biddies have money to burn... they'll never miss it. Besides, all they need to do is call the Social Security office and tell them what happened and they'll send them another check. What technique of neutralization is Joseph utilizing to maintain a positive self-image?
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denial of injury
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Emile Durkheim stated several reasons why deviance was actually functional for society. Which of the following was not one of them?
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NOT: One deviant act leads to another, which increases social solidarity. ----------------------------------- Deviance clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms. C Deviance promotes social unity. D Deviance promotes social change.
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What do blindness, mental disabilities, obesity, and being a \"successful\" woman all have in common?
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They are all conditions that result in stigma.
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Who were the two sociologists who developed the concept of techniques of neutralization?
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Gresham Sykes and David Matza
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Who was the sociologist who developed the theory of differential association?
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Edwin Sutherland
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Based on Merton's strain theory, what is the most common reaction to cultural goals and the institutionalized means to meet them?
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conformity
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Based on his theory about how we learn to either conform or deviate, what would Edwin Sutherland consider as the underlying cause of deviance?
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group associations
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What concept refers to the formal and informal means of enforcing norms?
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social control
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What is the major difference between sociological and psychological theories used to explain deviance?
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Sociological explanations focus on factors outside the individual, while, psychological explanations look for answers within the individual.
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Most violent crimes happen in what part of the United States?
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South
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Who were the two sociologists most responsible for the theory of illegitimate opportunity structures to explain deviant behavior?
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Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin
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Based on control theory, when are inner controls most effective?
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When we have strong attachments, commitments, and involvement with society.
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What four variables contribute to one's bond with society?
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attachments, commitments, involvements, beliefs
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Anthony has been selected as the Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer by a statewide social services organization. Sociologically, what does this award represent?
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Anthony is the recipient of a positive sanction for conforming to the norms of society.
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What variable did William Chambliss conclude was the deciding difference between the labels received by the \"Saints\" and \"Roughnecks?\"
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The difference in the social class of the Saints compared to the Roughnecks.
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Joe has developed an \"excess of definitions\" that support his decision to cheat on his taxes and declare a fictitious dependent. Joe believes the benefits he will reap in lower taxes will far outweigh the chance of his being caught by the IRS. Based on this rationalization, which theory explains Joe's decision to enter a life of crime?
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Differential Association Theory
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Who was the sociologist who used the term stigma to refer to characteristics that discredit people from full social acceptance?
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Erving Goffman
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What is the term for all of a group's customary social arrangements that provide predictability in life and which depend on the enforcement of norms?
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social order
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Which of the following theories would a sociobiologist most likely suggest as being the cause of deviant behavior?
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the XYY theory
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What is the major difference between white collar crime and street crime?
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White collar crime is an act committed in the course of a legitimate occupation, street crime is not.
