Social Deviance and Control: Causes, Consequences, and Control Mechanisms

Question 1

Which theory of social deviance suggests that deviance arises from the tension faced by individuals who are unable to achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means?

Accepted Answer

Merton's Strain Theory

Answer

Durkheim's Anomie Theory

Answer

Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 2

Merton's Strain Theory suggests that when people can't reach their goals through accepted means, they may turn to what type of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Innovating

Answer

Conforming

Answer

Ritualizing

Answer

Retreating

Question 3

In labeling theory, deviance is understood as:

Accepted Answer

A result of interactions between individuals and social institutions

Answer

A consequence of individual mental health issues

Answer

A deliberate decision made by individuals to break societal norms

Answer

A product of biological or genetic factors

Question 4

Which sociological perspective emphasizes the subjective meanings and interactions individuals create to understand their deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Social Darwinism

Answer

Positivism

Answer

Economic Structuralism

Question 5

Which factor does Émile Durkheim's theory identify as a primary cause of anomie and increased social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Rapid societal changes leading to social and economic instability

Answer

Growing differences in income levels among different groups

Answer

Individual psychological traits or biological factors

Answer

Increased prevalence of mental health conditions

Question 6

Which sociological theory proposes that the pressure felt by individuals who cannot achieve socially acceptable goals through legitimate means can result in deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Merton's Strain Theory

Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Differential Association Theory

Question 7

According to Merton's Strain Theory, what primary factor drives individuals towards deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cultural goals and limited legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Weak law enforcement and social control

Answer

Lack of social support and community ties

Answer

High social conformity and pressure to follow norms

Question 8

In Merton's Strain Theory, which concept describes a state where societal goals and the means to achieve them are misaligned, leading to normlessness and disconnection?

Accepted Answer

Anomie

Answer

Social disorganization

Answer

Differential association

Answer

Labeling

Question 9

Which sociological theory suggests that labelling individuals as deviant based on their actions reinforces deviant behaviour and social stigma?

Accepted Answer

Labelling Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Biosocial Theory

Question 10

Merton's Strain Theory suggests that when people can't reach their goals through legitimate means, they might:

Accepted Answer

Find other ways, even if they're not always legal.

Answer

Give up and follow the rules.

Answer

Step back from society and lower their expectations.

Answer

Try to change the system.

Question 11

According to labeling theory, what plays a key role in shaping the behavior of individuals labeled as deviant?

Accepted Answer

Social stigma

Answer

Social reinforcement

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Economic inequality

Question 12

In Durkheim's theory of anomie, which concept describes the weakening of societal norms and values?

Accepted Answer

Moral regulation

Answer

Social cohesion

Answer

Class conflict

Answer

Social mobility

Question 13

According to Robert K. Merton's strain theory, what factor significantly contributes to deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Conformity to societal norms

Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Formal social control mechanisms

Question 14

In sociology, what is the definition of 'social deviance'?

Accepted Answer

Behavior that violates accepted social norms

Answer

Behavior that harms society

Answer

Behavior that is illegal

Answer

Behavior committed only by individuals

Question 15

According to Merton's Strain Theory, which action exemplifies 'ritualism'?

Accepted Answer

An employee diligently fulfills their duties without seeking recognition or advancement.

Answer

A student perseveres in their studies despite personal obstacles.

Answer

A person volunteers to assist disadvantaged communities.

Answer

An individual commits crimes to acquire wealth.

Question 16

According to Merton's Strain Theory, what are the socially accepted goals that individuals strive to achieve?

Accepted Answer

Culturally prescribed goals

Answer

Institutionalized means

Answer

Collective representation

Answer

Social control

Question 17

Which theory emphasizes the influence of social learning on deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Structural Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a major theoretical perspective used to study social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Cybernetics Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 19

In the study of social deviance and control, what concept refers to the mechanisms society uses to prevent or punish deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social control

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Stigma

Answer

Free will

Question 20

According to Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which factor contributes to deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

A significant gap between societal goals and legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Unrealistic social expectations

Answer

Ineffective social control mechanisms

Answer

Conformity to societal norms

Question 21

In Merton's Strain Theory, what is the key factor that drives deviance?

Accepted Answer

Tension between societal goals and means to achieve them

Answer

Lack of social support

Answer

Breakdown of social norms

Answer

Personal psychological factors

Question 22

Which social condition, according to Durkheim's anomie theory, leads to deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Rapid social change

Answer

Stable social norms

Answer

Strong social bonds

Answer

Low social inequality

Question 23

Which of the following is a key factor in determining deviant behavior, according to labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

Societal responses to actions that break social norms

Answer

Biological traits

Answer

Existing mental health conditions

Answer

Economic circumstances alone

Question 24

Which sociological theory proposes that social deviance results from the strain or pressure individuals experience when they cannot achieve their socially accepted goals?

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Durkheim's Theory of Anomie

Answer

Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a key factor contributing to deviance according to Merton's Strain Theory?

Accepted Answer

Social control

Answer

Cultural goals and legitimate means gap

Answer

Anomie

Answer

Modes of adaptation

Question 26

Which of the following actions is considered a violation of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Walking in public without clothes

Accepted Answer

Taking money without permission

Answer

Attending a religious service

Answer

Creating art on a public wall

Question 27

According to labeling theory, what is the primary factor that contributes to social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Societal reactions and definitions of behavior

Answer

Inherent biological characteristics

Answer

Uncontrollable genetic predispositions

Answer

Economic inequalities within a society

Question 28

In sociology, what is the most accurate definition of social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Actions that violate societal norms and expectations.

Answer

Behaviors that are illegal and subject to legal consequences.

Answer

Acts that go against religious or moral principles.

Answer

Actions that cause harm to individuals or society.

Question 29

According to Merton's Strain Theory, what creates strain?

Accepted Answer

Inability to achieve goals through legitimate means

Answer

Excessive social control

Answer

Social isolation and lack of support

Answer

Negative peer influences

Question 30

According to labeling theory, social deviance is primarily a result of:

Accepted Answer

Social labeling and societal construction

Answer

Inherent individual characteristics

Answer

Individual psychological or biological factors

Answer

Strict enforcement of social control mechanisms

Question 31

Which of the following is considered a form of social conformity?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to social expectations

Answer

Violating criminal laws

Answer

Breaking civil rules

Answer

Behaving in ways that violate moral norms

Question 32

In labeling theory, what is the primary factor that influences deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Societal reactions and labeling processes

Answer

Innate biological or psychological traits

Answer

Limited economic opportunities and social inequality

Question 33

According to critics, which factor does labeling theory fail to consider in its explanation of deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

The significance of personal decision-making and agency

Answer

The impact of societal norms and values

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a major theoretical perspective on social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Social Learning Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 35

Which individual, according to Merton's strain theory, is most likely to engage in deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Someone from the middle class who is frustrated by their lack of upward mobility.

Answer

Someone with low income who works hard and follows rules.

Answer

Someone with high income who succeeded through traditional means.

Answer

Someone from a wealthy background who inherited their fortune.

Question 36

Cybercrime presents unique challenges to traditional social deviance and control. Which option best explains these challenges?

Accepted Answer

Cybercrime operates beyond physical boundaries and conventional time and space, making it difficult to control using traditional methods.

Answer

Cybercrime requires specialized technical skills, making it less accessible than traditional forms of deviance.

Answer

Cybercrimes are inherently less severe than traditional forms of deviance due to their lack of physical harm or violence.

Answer

Law enforcement prioritizes traditional crimes over cybercrime, considering it a less urgent issue.

Question 37

Which theory posits that social deviance arises from the unequal distribution of opportunities and rewards within society?

Accepted Answer

Merton's Strain Theory

Answer

Durkheim's Anomie Theory

Answer

Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 38

According to Ralph Dahrendorf's Social Conflict Theory, what is the primary cause of social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distribution of power and resources

Answer

A decline in societal norms

Answer

Low levels of social cohesion

Question 39

In Durkheim's theory, what occurs when social norms and values weaken?

Accepted Answer

Anomie arises.

Answer

Social cohesion strengthens.

Answer

Social deviance diminishes.

Answer

Social control tightens.

Question 40

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with social deviance, according to sociologists?

Accepted Answer

Universal disapproval

Answer

Breaking societal rules

Answer

Causing potential harm

Answer

Unpredictable behavior

Question 41

Which of the following is a consequence of rapid social change, according to Durkheim's theory of anomie?

Accepted Answer

A breakdown of social order

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Reduced levels of social deviance

Answer

A decline in economic inequality

Question 42

In Durkheim's theory of anomie, what key factor leads to higher rates of social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Weakening of social bonds

Answer

Strengthening of religious beliefs

Answer

Reduction of social inequality

Answer

Shift towards rural areas

Question 43

How does labeling theory explain the role of labeling in the creation and perpetuation of social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Labeling reinforces negative self-concepts, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy of further deviance.

Answer

Labeling has no significant impact on behavior or self-concept.

Answer

Labeling helps individuals conform to norms, reducing deviance.

Answer

Labeling is only effective if done publicly and humiliatingly.

Question 44

Control Theory emphasizes the role of social control in shaping behavior. How does this theory explain how social control prevents individuals from engaging in deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Strong social bonds and clear expectations can deter individuals from deviant behavior.

Answer

Control Theory solely focuses on external social control measures like legal sanctions.

Answer

Control Theory views social control as a form of oppression that stifles individuality.

Question 45

Which factor is identified by social control theories as a key contributor to juvenile delinquency?

Accepted Answer

Weak family ties and inadequate parental supervision

Answer

Exposure to violent media and video games

Answer

Economic inequalities and limited economic opportunities

Question 46

How effective are social control mechanisms in preventing and controlling deviant behavior, and what factors influence their effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of social control mechanisms varies depending on the type of deviant behavior and the context in which it occurs.

Answer

Social control mechanisms are highly effective in preventing and controlling all forms of deviant behavior.

Answer

Social control mechanisms are ineffective in preventing and controlling deviant behavior.

Question 47

How do social movements and activism contribute to challenging societal norms and redefining what is considered deviant behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social movements and activism can initiate changes in societal norms and definitions of deviance by raising awareness and mobilizing public opinion.

Answer

Social movements and activism reinforce societal norms and definitions of deviance.

Answer

Social movements and activism have no impact on societal norms and definitions of deviance.

Question 48

Examine the economic repercussions of social deviance, considering the direct and indirect costs in areas such as crime, productivity loss, and public disorder.

Accepted Answer

Social deviance can result in a range of negative economic consequences, including increased crime rates, reduced productivity, and public disorder.

Answer

Social deviance does not have a substantial impact on the economy.

Answer

The economic effects of social deviance are limited to the expenses of crime and loss of productivity.

Answer

The economic benefits of social deviance outweigh its negative consequences.

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a type of social control?

Accepted Answer

Biological

Answer

Formal

Answer

Informal

Answer

Psychological

Question 50

How do emerging technologies like AI and predictive policing affect social deviance management? Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages.

Accepted Answer

Improved detection and response, leading to more effective prevention of deviant behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Increased surveillance and data collection, raising concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

Answer

Reduced reliance on traditional social control methods like law enforcement and community policing.

Answer

No significant impact on social deviance, as existing social control mechanisms are already highly effective.

Question 51

According to labeling theory, how does society shape the experience of deviance?

Accepted Answer

By stigmatizing individuals who engage in deviant behavior

Answer

By punishing deviant behavior

Answer

By providing opportunities for deviant behavior

Answer

By ignoring deviant behavior

Question 52

Which type of social control relies on individuals' internalized values and beliefs to guide their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Normative social control

Answer

Formal social control

Answer

Informal social control

Answer

Coercive social control

Question 53

Which of the following is a potential consequence of social deviance for individuals?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Economic inequality

Answer

Improved mental health

Question 54

Which of the following is an example of primary deviance?

Accepted Answer

Shoplifting

Answer

Murder

Answer

Tax evasion

Answer

Incest

Question 55

What is the primary goal of social control?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order and stability

Answer

To punish deviant behavior

Answer

To rehabilitate deviant individuals

Answer

To prevent all forms of deviance

Question 56

How has the historical evolution of the concept of social deviance shaped our current understanding and approaches to it?

Accepted Answer

By studying the historical evolution of social deviance, we can understand how society's values, norms, and expectations have changed.

Answer

Social deviance has always been defined and treated consistently throughout history.

Answer

The evolution of social deviance has had no impact on our current understanding of it.

Answer

Over time, social deviance has become more narrowly defined, leading to fewer behaviors being considered deviant.

Question 57

What does labeling theory suggest about the nature of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Society creates and reinforces deviance through labeling

Answer

Deviance is inherent in the behavior itself

Answer

Deviant behavior is always harmful

Answer

Deviance is a natural outcome of social conflict

Question 58

According to conflict theory, what is a root cause of social deviance?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Individual weakness

Answer

Mental illness

Answer

Lack of opportunity

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT a purpose or function of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

Promote social change

Answer

Maintain social order

Answer

Protect individual rights

Answer

Encourage social conformity

Question 60

According to labeling theory, what is the primary mechanism through which deviance is created?

Accepted Answer

Social reactions to certain behaviors

Answer

Inherent characteristics of individuals

Answer

Biological predispositions

Answer

Social inequality

Question 61

Which of the following is an example of formal social control exerted by external authorities?

Accepted Answer

Police enforcement

Answer

Peer disapproval

Answer

Religious teachings

Answer

Social ostracism

Question 62

Which of the following factors is considered a key contributor to social disorganization, a condition that can facilitate deviance?

Accepted Answer

High levels of poverty

Answer

Strong social cohesion

Answer

Stable housing environments

Answer

Well-funded social services

Question 63

What is the overarching purpose of social control in society?

Accepted Answer

To regulate behavior and maintain social order

Answer

To eliminate all forms of deviance

Answer

To punish individuals who violate social norms

Answer

To promote individual freedom and autonomy

Question 64

Which of the following is an example of a widely accepted cultural norm in many societies?

Accepted Answer

Driving on the right-hand side of the road

Answer

Stealing from others

Answer

Disrespecting elders

Answer

Marrying multiple spouses