Understanding Social Deviance: A Sociological Perspective

What does the term 'deviance' signify in sociology?

• Criminal activities only

• Non-normative or different behavior

• A negative and undesirable trait

• Socially acceptable behaviors

Which of the following is considered a form of informal social control?

• Police arrest

• Strange looks for unusual hair colors

• Prison sentences

• Court trials

What role do positive sanctions play in society?

• They promote conformity

• They have no significant impact

• They encourage deviant behavior

• They discourage conformity

Which example illustrates a formal sanction?

• A disapproving look for a fashion choice

• A compliment on well-done work

• A fine for jaywalking

• A friend mocking your taste in music

What was a major flaw in early biological theories of deviance?

• They emphasized social factors too much

• They ignored genetic influences

• They linked physical traits to criminality

• They focused solely on environmental factors

Which concept explains the encouragement of aggressive behavior in physically strong boys?

• Containment theory

• Self-fulfilling prophecy

• Biological determinism

• Psychological profiling

According to sociologists, what can influence whether an action is considered deviant?

• The action itself only

• The number of people involved in the action

• The time of day the action occurs

• The cultural context and norms

How does the sociological perspective view the nature of deviance?

• As biologically determined

• As unchangeable across cultures

• As a result of individual choices

• As shaped by societal structures

What is the significance of 'labeling' in understanding deviance according to sociologists?

• It has no real effect on deviance

• It can reinforce deviant behavior

• It only applies to psychological theories

• It is less important than biological factors

What does the sociological approach suggest about the origins of deviance?

• It is inherent in certain individuals

• It is unaffected by cultural differences

• It arises from societal conditions and norms

• It is primarily due to genetic factors