Causes of Deviance: Explore the Factors that Shape Deviant Behavior

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a social factor commonly linked to the development of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Genetics

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Discrimination and prejudice

Answer

Lack of social support

Question 2

Which of the following is not a characteristic of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Conformance to societal norms

Answer

Rejection of social expectations

Answer

Negative reactions from society

Answer

Causing harm or disruption

Question 3

According to symbolic interactionism, how is deviance constructed?

Accepted Answer

Through social interactions and interpretations

Answer

Through biological predispositions

Answer

Through societal norms and values

Answer

Through government regulations

Question 4

Differential association theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals learn deviant behavior through interactions with others

Answer

Deviant behavior is a product of biological factors

Answer

Deviant behavior is caused by mental illness

Answer

Deviant behavior is a result of socioeconomic disadvantage

Question 5

Which individual characteristic is associated with a higher probability of engaging in deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Mental illness

Answer

Intelligence

Answer

Gender

Answer

Social class

Question 6

How effective are social control mechanisms in preventing different types of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of social control mechanisms varies depending on the context and type of deviance.

Answer

Social control mechanisms are highly effective in deterring all forms of deviant behavior.

Answer

Social control mechanisms are ineffective in preventing deviant behavior.

Question 7

Strain theory argues that deviance arises from:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and societal pressure to achieve

Answer

Genetic predispositions and personality traits

Answer

Societal norms and expectations

Answer

Cognitive deficits and mental illness

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of informal social control?

Accepted Answer

Gossip

Answer

Imprisonment

Answer

Fines

Answer

Community service

Question 9

How does labeling theory perceive the process of becoming deviant?

Accepted Answer

As a gradual and cumulative process of learning and reinforcement

Answer

As a sudden and irreversible event

Answer

As a result of biological factors and personality traits

Answer

As a choice made by individuals

Question 10

Which of the following is a fundamental assumption of conflict theory in relation to deviance?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is a product of social inequality and power dynamics

Answer

Deviance is a result of individual pathology

Answer

Deviance is learned through interactions with others

Answer

Deviance is a form of social conformity

Question 11

According to differential association theory, how do individuals develop deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Through exposure to negative role models and deviant environments

Answer

Through genetic inheritance and biological predisposition

Answer

Through positive reinforcement and approval from non-deviant individuals

Answer

Through internal psychological processes and unconscious motivations

Question 12

According to strain theory, what is the primary source of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

A lack of legitimate opportunities to achieve desired goals

Answer

Social stigma and discrimination

Answer

Mental illness and personality disorders

Answer

Biological and genetic factors

Question 13

According to social learning theory, how is deviant behavior acquired?

Accepted Answer

Through observing, imitating, and reinforcing behaviors exhibited by others

Answer

Through direct instruction and explicit teaching

Answer

Through innate biological drives and instincts

Answer

Through unconscious psychological processes and mental disorders

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary objective of social control in sociology?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing social stability and maintaining order

Answer

Encouraging complete individual freedom

Answer

Promoting rapid social change and upheaval

Answer

Punishing individuals without regard for rehabilitation

Question 15

Labeling theory explains how labeling individuals as deviant can act as a social control mechanism. Discuss the impact of labeling on the perpetuation of deviant behavior.

Accepted Answer

Labeling individuals as deviant reinforces negative behavior through stigmatization.

Accepted Answer

Labeling individuals as deviant increases the likelihood of further deviant behavior, creating a cycle of deviance.

Accepted Answer

Labeling individuals as deviant isolates them, reducing social support and potentially contributing to continued deviant behavior.

Answer

Labeling theory has no significant impact on labeling deviance and is not considered a social control mechanism.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a factor contributing to the development of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strong religious beliefs and practices

Answer

Inherited physiological traits

Answer

Inadequate socialization experiences

Answer

Economic disparities

Question 17

According to strain theory, deviant behavior is primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Limited opportunities to achieve socially valued goals

Answer

A breakdown in societal norms and expectations

Answer

Underlying biological predispositions

Answer

Preexisting psychological disorders

Question 18

Differential association theory suggests that individuals acquire deviant behaviors primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Close association with individuals who engage in deviant acts

Answer

Genetic inheritance from deviant parents

Answer

Lack of access to quality education

Answer

Experiences of extreme economic hardship

Question 19

A key limitation of labeling theory is its tendency to:

Accepted Answer

Fail to explain why some labeled as deviant do not engage in deviant behavior

Answer

Overlook the influence of biological factors

Answer

Suggest that deviance is a permanent and unchangeable state

Answer

Advocate for the use of overly harsh punishments for deviant individuals

Question 20

According to anomie theory, deviance is often a result of:

Accepted Answer

A breakdown in the social structure and weakening of norms

Answer

A lack of clear moral guidance in society

Answer

Growing economic inequality and disparities

Answer

Prevalent psychological disorders

Question 21

Which theory suggests that deviant behavior is learned through interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Structural-functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 22

How do media portrayals shape public perceptions and responses towards individuals and groups considered deviant? Analyze the factors influencing these portrayals and their implications for social control.

Accepted Answer

Media portrayals of deviance can influence societal attitudes, reactions, and policies towards deviant individuals and groups.

Answer

Media representations of deviance are always accurate and unbiased, providing an objective perspective on deviant behavior.

Answer

Media has no significant impact on public perceptions of deviance, as individuals form their own opinions based on personal experiences and interactions.

Answer

Media serves as a neutral observer, merely reporting on deviant behavior without shaping public opinion.

Question 23

Which of the following is an example of a macro-level factor that can influence the occurrence of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Economic recession and unemployment

Answer

Family conflict and poor parenting

Answer

Peer group pressure and influence

Answer

Individual mental health conditions

Question 24

Which of the following actions is considered a violation of societal norms and expectations, thereby qualifying as deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the law

Answer

Adhering to established social conventions

Answer

Conforming to societal standards

Answer

Exhibiting socially acceptable behaviors

Question 25

Which sociological perspective suggests that deviance arises from social inequality and unequal access to resources?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Social exchange theory

Question 26

Anomie theory, as proposed by Robert Merton, posits that deviance occurs when there is a:

Accepted Answer

Disparity between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Harmony between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Congruence between societal norms and individual values

Answer

Absence of social norms and expectations

Question 27

Which historical perspective on deviance emphasized the role of physical characteristics and biological traits in determining criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biological positivism

Answer

Classical theory

Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Control theory

Question 28

According to labeling theory, deviance is largely a result of:

Accepted Answer

Social construction and societal reactions

Answer

Innate biological predispositions

Answer

Internal psychological conflicts

Answer

Exposure to negative environmental influences

Question 29

Which criticism of labeling theory highlights its potential to reinforce and perpetuate deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Creation of a cycle of deviance

Answer

Overemphasis on the role of social context

Answer

Neglect of individual agency

Answer

Lack of empirical support

Question 30

Social learning theory suggests that deviant behavior is primarily acquired through:

Accepted Answer

Observational learning and modeling

Answer

Direct instruction from parents and teachers

Answer

Innate genetic programming

Answer

Random chance encounters

Question 31

Strain theory, developed by Robert Merton, emphasizes the role of:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and limited opportunities

Answer

Genetic predispositions and mental health issues

Answer

Family dynamics and child-rearing practices

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 32

According to control theory, the likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior increases when:

Accepted Answer

Social bonds are weak and opportunities for deviance are abundant

Answer

Social bonds are strong and opportunities for deviance are abundant

Answer

Social bonds are weak and opportunities for deviance are limited

Answer

Social bonds are strong and opportunities for deviance are limited

Question 33

Which anomie theory postulates that deviance arises from a discrepancy between societal expectations and the legitimate means to attain them?

Accepted Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Cultural transmission theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Answer

Differential association theory

Question 34

In labeling theory, primary deviance refers to:

Accepted Answer

Behavior that transgresses social norms without being officially labeled as deviant

Answer

Behavior that is labeled as deviant but does not violate social norms

Answer

Behavior that is both deviant and officially recognized as such

Answer

Behavior that is neither deviant nor labeled as deviant

Question 35

What is the primary objective of social control?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of social order

Answer

Eradication of all forms of deviance

Answer

Punishment of deviant individuals

Answer

Protection of individual liberties

Question 36

Which approach is most effective in addressing the underlying causes of deviant behavior in rehabilitation programs?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy, skill development, and support services

Answer

Punitive measures focused on deterrence and isolation

Answer

Community surveillance and social exclusion

Answer

Mandatory drug testing and electronic monitoring

Question 37

What are the drawbacks of using official crime statistics to measure the extent of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Official crime statistics may be biased towards certain groups.

Answer

Official crime statistics capture all types of deviant behavior.

Answer

Official crime statistics are always accurate.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT considered a social factor that can contribute to deviance, according to sociological theories?

Accepted Answer

Personal choice

Answer

Poverty

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Discrimination

Question 39

Which perspective on deviance emphasizes the role of biological factors, such as genetics and brain chemistry?

Accepted Answer

Biological determinism

Answer

Strain theory

Answer

Social control theory

Answer

Labeling theory

Question 40

According to anomie theory, what is a key factor contributing to deviance?

Accepted Answer

The disconnection between culturally prescribed goals and the means to achieve them.

Answer

The existence of widespread poverty.

Answer

The influence of negative peer groups.

Answer

The presence of weak social norms.

Question 41

Which criticism of labeling theory suggests that it overlooks the active role individuals play in shaping their own behavior?

Accepted Answer

It neglects individual agency.

Answer

It fails to explain why some labeled individuals do not engage in deviant behavior.

Answer

It places too much emphasis on the role of social control.

Question 42

Social control theory proposes that strong social bonds, such as those formed through family and community involvement, can:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the likelihood of deviant behavior.

Answer

Have no effect on deviant behavior.

Answer

Increase the severity of deviant behavior.

Answer

Lead to increased social isolation.

Question 43

Conflict theory attributes deviance primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Power imbalances and social inequality.

Answer

Social disorganization.

Answer

Individual moral deficiencies.

Answer

Cultural transmission.

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of structural strain that may contribute to deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing economic hardship and limited access to education.

Answer

Struggling with mental health challenges.

Answer

Facing pressure from peers to engage in risky behaviors.

Answer

Having a genetic predisposition to certain traits.

Question 45

Differential association theory suggests that deviance is primarily learned through:

Accepted Answer

Interactions with individuals who engage in deviant behavior.

Answer

Exposure to media portrayals of deviance.

Answer

Inheriting specific genetic traits.

Question 46

Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that the meaning of deviant behavior is:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and subject to change over time.

Answer

Fixed and unchanging.

Answer

Inherent in the behavior itself.

Answer

Determined solely by biological factors.

Question 47

Which of the following is **not** considered a biological factor that can contribute to deviance?

Accepted Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Answer

Genetic predisposition to aggression

Answer

Prenatal exposure to toxins

Question 48

According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which of the following conditions can lead to deviance?

Accepted Answer

Absence of legitimate opportunities to achieve societal goals

Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Positive self-esteem

Question 49

Which of the following is a key principle of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is not an inherent characteristic, but rather a result of being labeled as deviant by society.

Answer

Deviance is a natural part of society, and should not be stigmatized.

Answer

Deviant behavior is always harmful to society and should be punished severely.

Question 50

What is the primary goal of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order by regulating behaviors that violate societal norms.

Answer

To reduce social inequality and promote social mobility

Answer

To promote individual freedom and autonomy

Answer

To punish and isolate individuals who engage in deviant behavior

Question 51

Which of the following is a form of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Laws and regulations enforced by the government

Answer

Peer pressure and social disapproval

Answer

Cultural norms and traditions

Question 52

What is a key difference between social norms and laws?

Accepted Answer

Social norms are enforced through informal mechanisms like social pressure, while laws are enforced through formal mechanisms like the justice system.

Answer

Laws are more important than social norms and should always take precedence.

Answer

Social norms are more important than laws and should be the primary means of regulating behavior.

Question 53

What is a key difference between Durkheim's theory of anomie and Merton's Strain Theory?

Accepted Answer

Durkheim emphasized structural factors such as social inequality, while Merton emphasized cultural factors such as the discrepancy between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them.

Answer

Durkheim believed that deviance is necessary for social change, while Merton believed that it is harmful.

Answer

Durkheim's theory focused on deviance, while Merton's theory focused on crime.

Question 54

Which of the following is an example of a social policy aimed at reducing the incidence of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Educational programs that provide opportunities for at-risk youth to develop job skills and positive social connections.

Answer

Raising the minimum wage to reduce economic inequality

Answer

Lowering taxes to stimulate economic growth

Answer

Increasing the number of prisons to incarcerate more deviant individuals