Sociological Theories of Deviance and Crime

Description: This quiz is designed to test your understanding of various sociological theories of deviance and crime. It covers theories such as anomie theory, control theory, labeling theory, and conflict theory.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: sociology deviance crime anomie theory control theory labeling theory conflict theory
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Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of social norms and values in shaping individual behavior and explaining deviance?

  1. Anomie theory

  2. Control theory

  3. Labeling theory

  4. Conflict theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anomie theory, proposed by Emile Durkheim, suggests that deviance occurs when there is a breakdown in social norms and values, leading to a state of normlessness and a lack of clear moral boundaries.

According to control theory, what are the primary factors that prevent individuals from engaging in deviant behavior?

  1. Strong social bonds

  2. Clear moral values

  3. Effective law enforcement

  4. Economic opportunities


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Control theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, emphasizes the role of social bonds, such as family ties, peer relationships, and involvement in conventional activities, in deterring deviance.

Which sociological theory focuses on the process by which individuals are labeled as deviant and the consequences of such labeling?

  1. Anomie theory

  2. Control theory

  3. Labeling theory

  4. Conflict theory


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Labeling theory, associated with Howard Becker and Edwin Lemert, argues that deviance is not inherent in behavior but rather is a social construction resulting from the labeling of certain acts or individuals as deviant.

Conflict theory views deviance and crime as a product of what broader social phenomenon?

  1. Social inequality

  2. Cultural conflict

  3. Political oppression

  4. Economic exploitation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Conflict theory, rooted in Marxist thought, sees deviance and crime as consequences of social inequality, class conflict, and the struggle for power and resources in society.

Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of social learning and differential association in explaining criminal behavior?

  1. Anomie theory

  2. Control theory

  3. Labeling theory

  4. Social learning theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social learning theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly through exposure to deviant peers and role models.

According to anomie theory, what is the primary cause of deviance?

  1. Lack of social norms

  2. Breakdown of social values

  3. Economic inequality

  4. Cultural conflict


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Anomie theory posits that deviance arises when there is a breakdown in social values and norms, leading to a state of normlessness and a lack of clear moral boundaries.

Control theory emphasizes the importance of what factor in preventing deviance?

  1. Strong social bonds

  2. Clear moral values

  3. Effective law enforcement

  4. Economic opportunities


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Control theory argues that strong social bonds, such as family ties, peer relationships, and involvement in conventional activities, help deter deviance by providing individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Labeling theory focuses on the process of:

  1. Social control

  2. Social learning

  3. Social construction of deviance

  4. Economic inequality


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Labeling theory examines how individuals are labeled as deviant and the consequences of such labeling, arguing that deviance is not inherent in behavior but rather is socially constructed.

Conflict theory views deviance and crime as a product of:

  1. Social inequality

  2. Cultural conflict

  3. Political oppression

  4. Economic exploitation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Conflict theory sees deviance and crime as consequences of social inequality, class conflict, and the struggle for power and resources in society.

Social learning theory emphasizes the role of:

  1. Social norms

  2. Social values

  3. Social learning

  4. Social control


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Social learning theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly through exposure to deviant peers and role models.

Anomie theory was proposed by which sociologist?

  1. Emile Durkheim

  2. Travis Hirschi

  3. Howard Becker

  4. Edwin Sutherland


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Anomie theory was developed by the French sociologist Emile Durkheim, who argued that deviance arises when there is a breakdown in social norms and values.

Control theory was developed by which sociologist?

  1. Emile Durkheim

  2. Travis Hirschi

  3. Howard Becker

  4. Edwin Sutherland


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Control theory was formulated by the American sociologist Travis Hirschi, who emphasized the role of social bonds in deterring deviance.

Labeling theory is associated with which sociologists?

  1. Emile Durkheim

  2. Travis Hirschi

  3. Howard Becker

  4. Edwin Sutherland


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Labeling theory is primarily associated with the American sociologist Howard Becker, who argued that deviance is not inherent in behavior but rather is a social construction resulting from the labeling of certain acts or individuals as deviant.

Conflict theory is rooted in the work of which sociologist?

  1. Emile Durkheim

  2. Travis Hirschi

  3. Howard Becker

  4. Karl Marx


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Conflict theory draws inspiration from the work of the German sociologist Karl Marx, who argued that deviance and crime are consequences of social inequality and class conflict.

Social learning theory was proposed by which sociologist?

  1. Emile Durkheim

  2. Travis Hirschi

  3. Howard Becker

  4. Edwin Sutherland


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Social learning theory was developed by the American sociologist Edwin Sutherland, who argued that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, particularly through exposure to deviant peers and role models.

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