Social Control Theory of Deviance

Description: This quiz aims to assess your understanding of the Social Control Theory of Deviance, a prominent theory in sociology that explains why individuals engage in deviant behavior.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: sociology of deviance social control theory deviant behavior
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According to the Social Control Theory, what is the primary factor that prevents individuals from engaging in deviant behavior?

  1. Strong moral values

  2. Fear of punishment

  3. Social bonds

  4. Economic opportunities


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory emphasizes the role of social bonds in deterring deviant behavior. These bonds include attachment to family, friends, and community, as well as involvement in conventional activities.

Which of the following is NOT a type of social bond identified by Travis Hirschi in his Social Control Theory?

  1. Attachment

  2. Commitment

  3. Involvement

  4. Belief


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hirschi's Social Control Theory includes four types of social bonds: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief. Belief refers to the individual's internalization of societal norms and values, which is not explicitly mentioned in Hirschi's theory.

According to the Social Control Theory, what happens when social bonds are weak or broken?

  1. Individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior

  2. Individuals are more likely to conform to societal norms

  3. Individuals are more likely to experience social isolation

  4. Individuals are more likely to seek help from social services


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory posits that weak or broken social bonds increase the likelihood of deviant behavior, as individuals feel less connected to society and its norms.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can weaken social bonds, according to the Social Control Theory?

  1. Family conflict

  2. Peer pressure

  3. Economic inequality

  4. Religious involvement


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory focuses on the role of social bonds in deterring deviant behavior. While family conflict, peer pressure, and economic inequality can weaken these bonds, religious involvement is generally seen as a positive factor that can strengthen social bonds.

The Social Control Theory is most closely associated with which sociological perspective?

  1. Functionalism

  2. Symbolic Interactionism

  3. Conflict Theory

  4. Feminist Theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory is rooted in the functionalist perspective, which views society as a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. The theory emphasizes the role of social institutions and norms in controlling deviant behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the Social Control Theory?

  1. It ignores the role of individual agency

  2. It overemphasizes the importance of social bonds

  3. It fails to consider the impact of social inequality

  4. It is too deterministic


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Critics of the Social Control Theory argue that it oversimplifies the relationship between social bonds and deviant behavior. They contend that individual agency, social inequality, and other factors also play significant roles in shaping deviant behavior.

Which sociologist is credited with developing the Social Control Theory?

  1. Travis Hirschi

  2. Robert K. Merton

  3. Emile Durkheim

  4. Max Weber


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Travis Hirschi is widely recognized as the primary architect of the Social Control Theory. His book, 'Causes of Delinquency,' published in 1969, laid the foundation for this theory.

The Social Control Theory has been used to explain a wide range of deviant behaviors, including:

  1. Delinquency

  2. Crime

  3. Substance abuse

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory has been applied to explain various forms of deviant behavior, including delinquency, crime, substance abuse, and other antisocial behaviors.

According to the Social Control Theory, what is the primary function of punishment?

  1. To deter future deviant behavior

  2. To rehabilitate offenders

  3. To protect society from criminals

  4. To provide closure to victims


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory emphasizes the role of punishment in deterring future deviant behavior by increasing the costs associated with such behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a type of punishment discussed in the Social Control Theory?

  1. Imprisonment

  2. Fines

  3. Social disapproval

  4. Restitution


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Restitution, which involves making amends for the harm caused by deviant behavior, is not explicitly discussed in the Social Control Theory as a type of punishment.

The Social Control Theory has been criticized for:

  1. Ignoring the role of social inequality

  2. Overemphasizing the importance of social bonds

  3. Failing to consider the impact of individual agency

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Critics of the Social Control Theory argue that it overlooks the influence of social inequality, overemphasizes the significance of social bonds, and neglects the role of individual agency in shaping deviant behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of the Social Control Theory?

  1. Individuals are rational actors

  2. Deviant behavior is a result of weak social bonds

  3. Social bonds are the primary mechanism of social control

  4. Deviant behavior is always harmful to society


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory does not assume that deviant behavior is inherently harmful to society. Instead, it recognizes that some forms of deviant behavior may be beneficial or neutral in their impact.

The Social Control Theory has been influential in the development of:

  1. Criminology

  2. Sociology of deviance

  3. Social policy

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory has had a significant impact on criminology, the sociology of deviance, and the development of social policies aimed at preventing and controlling deviant behavior.

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of the Social Control Theory?

  1. It fails to explain why some individuals engage in deviant behavior despite strong social bonds

  2. It ignores the role of social inequality in shaping deviant behavior

  3. It overemphasizes the importance of social bonds

  4. It is too deterministic


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Critics argue that the Social Control Theory overemphasizes the role of social bonds in deterring deviant behavior, neglecting other factors such as individual agency, social inequality, and situational factors.

The Social Control Theory has been used to explain deviant behavior in a variety of contexts, including:

  1. Schools

  2. Families

  3. Prisons

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Social Control Theory has been applied to understand deviant behavior in various settings, including schools, families, prisons, and other social institutions.

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