Sociology Quiz: Normative Crime and Deviance

According to Durkheim, why is a certain amount of crime and deviance seen as positive for society?

• To maintain social order and stability

• all of these

• To challenge the boundaries of acceptable behavior

• To create social integration and cohesion

Why does Durkheim believe that crime and deviance can be a threat to society?

• Because they generate social change and innovation

• Because they create social integration and cohesion

• Because they clarify the boundaries of acceptable behavior

• Because they challenge the norms and values that unite society

According to Durkheim, what is the cause of crime and deviance?

• Inequality in social class structure

• Anomie (normlessness) during periods of rapid social change

• Anomie (normlessness) during periods of social stability

• Lack of social control and regulation

How does Durkheim believe social order and stability are achieved in modern societies?

• Through consensus over society's norms and values and successful social control

• Through constant social change and innovation

• Through the enforcement of strict laws and regulations

• Through the rejection of deviant behavior

What does Merton argue about the relationship between societal goals and legitimate means of achieving them?

• The goals and means are constantly changing

• There is a strain/conflict between the goals and means

• There is complete alignment between the goals and means

• The goals and means are irrelevant in society

According to Merton, what is the response to anomie in capitalist societies?

• Innovation and turning to illegal means to achieve goals

• Conformity and following approved means to achieve goals

• Retreatism and withdrawal from societal goals

• Rebellion and challenging societal goals and means

What does Cohen argue about the structural origins of crime and deviance?

• Working class youths face blocked opportunities due to their social class position

• Working class youths are inherently deviant

• Working class youths have equal opportunities as middle class youths

• Working class youths lack access to mainstream norms and values

How does Cohen extend Merton's theory in explaining crime and deviance?

• By advocating for equal opportunities for all individuals

• By incorporating a strong cultural element and the rejection of mainstream norms and values

• By emphasizing the importance of social control and regulation

• By focusing on the role of social class in determining deviant behavior

According to Cloward and Ohlin, what determines the form of working class delinquent subcultures?

• Inequality in social class structure

• Lack of social control and regulation

• Internalization of mainstream norms and values

• Access to illegitimate opportunity structures and adult criminal networks

Which of these is not a focal concern?

• Toughness

• Excitement

• Money

• Smartness