Question 1

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'secondary deviance' as described by Lemert?

Accepted Answer

A person is labeled a thief after being caught shoplifting and subsequently adopts theft as a central part of their identity.

Question 2

According to symbolic interactionism, which process is most responsible for shaping an individual's self-concept?

Accepted Answer

Looking-glass self

Question 3

A woman is stigmatized at work due to her criminal record, and her family members also face discrimination because of their association with her. What type of stigma does this scenario best represent?

Accepted Answer

Courtesy stigma

Question 4

Which of the following is a key criticism of interpretive theories of deviance?

Accepted Answer

They can underplay the influence of social structure and durable inequalities.

Question 5

According to conflict theories, why are the norms of powerful groups more likely to become law?

Accepted Answer

Because powerful groups have greater access to resources and institutions that shape rule-making.

Question 6

Which concept refers to the process by which people internalize surveillance and regulate their own behavior, as described by Foucault?

Accepted Answer

Panopticon

Question 7

A person who is openly gay decides to conceal their sexual orientation at work to avoid discrimination. According to Goffman, which stigma management strategy are they using?

Accepted Answer

Secrecy/passing

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the 'deviant career' model proposed by Becker?

Accepted Answer

A staged process involving entry, learning, management, turning points, and possible exit from deviance.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of 'intersectionality' in the context of deviance?

Accepted Answer

A Black lesbian woman faces unique forms of stigma and control that differ from those experienced by white women or Black men.

Question 10

Which of the following statements best captures the postmodern approach to deviance?

Accepted Answer

Deviance is fragmented and unstable, with definitions shifting due to competing narratives and images.

Question 11

A high school implements a zero-tolerance policy for minor rule violations, leading to increased suspensions and students adopting deviant identities. Which theory best explains this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Labelling theory

Question 12

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'hegemony'?

Accepted Answer

A dominant group's worldview becomes accepted as 'common sense' by the wider society.

Question 13

Which of the following is a limitation of critical theories of deviance?

Accepted Answer

They can be difficult to test empirically and may underplay areas of genuine consensus.

Question 14

Which scenario best demonstrates the 'dramatization of evil' as described by Tannenbaum?

Accepted Answer

A teenager is caught vandalizing and is subsequently treated as a 'bad kid' by teachers and peers.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the 'deviance dance'?

Accepted Answer

The ongoing struggle between different groups to define, enforce, and resist deviance labels.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of 'discourse' as used in power-reflexive theories?

Accepted Answer

The medical community's language and categories for mental illness shape what is considered 'normal' or 'deviant' behavior.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why interpretive and critical theories are often integrated in sociological research on deviance?

Accepted Answer

To combine insights about micro-level meaning-making with macro-level power structures.

Question 18

A person leaves a gang after becoming a parent and finding stable employment. According to the deviant career model, what does this scenario illustrate?

Accepted Answer

A turning point or career contingency leading to exit from deviance.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes 'false consciousness' in the context of deviance?

Accepted Answer

When individuals accept dominant ideologies as natural, even if those ideologies work against their own interests.

Question 20

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the feminist concept of 'androcentrism' in deviance research?

Accepted Answer

A study on workplace deviance only includes male participants and generalizes findings to all workers.

Explaining Deviance: Interpretive and Critical Theories in Sociology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards