6.2 Theories of Crime and Deviance

• What is the sociological definition of crime?

  Violation of punishable laws
• Deviance is always illegal.

  False
• The functionalist perspective argues that crime and deviance reinforce social norms
• Labeling theory suggests that crime is a result of societal reactions rather than individual behavior.


  True
• What is Durkheim's key idea about crime and deviance?

  Normal and functional
• Merton's strain theory posits that crime arises when individuals cannot achieve socially accepted goals
• Both Durkheim and Merton agree that crime and deviance maintain social stability.

  True
• Match the sociological perspective with its theorist:

  Functionalist ↔️ Durkheim

  Strain Theory ↔️ Merton
• The functionalist perspective argues that crime and deviance reinforce social norms and promote social cohesion
• What does strain theory propose about the causes of crime and deviance?

  Inability to achieve goals
• Labeling theory suggests that crime and deviance are primarily influenced by societal reactions.

  True
• Who are two key functionalist theorists on crime and deviance?

  Durkheim and Merton
• What is the central idea of Merton's strain theory?

  Inability to achieve goals
• Match the subcultural theorists with their key ideas:

  Cohen ↔️ Delinquent subcultures

  Cloward and Ohlin ↔️ Alternative sources of status
• Who developed labeling theory?

  Howard Becker
• According to labeling theory, being labeled as deviant can become a self-fulfilling prophecy
• Marxist theory argues that crime arises from the class divisions and exploitation inherent in capitalism.


  True
• What do left realists see as the primary cause of crime among marginalized groups?

  Social and economic inequalities
• Crime refers to violations of laws punishable by the state
• What is the key difference between crime and deviance?

  Legality
• Merton's strain theory proposes that crime and deviance result when individuals are unable to achieve socially accepted goals
• Subcultural theory argues that crime arises when individuals conform to the norms of a subculture that rejects mainstream societal values
• Subcultural theory contrasts with functionalism by viewing deviance as a reaction to social exclusion rather than serving a purpose for society.


  True
• Who developed labeling theory?

  Howard Becker
• According to labeling theory, a label can become a self-fulfilling prophecy
• Labeling theory sees deviance as a reaction to social exclusion and the inability to achieve status through legitimate means.


  True
• What is the Marxist approach's view on elite crime?

  Often overlooked or treated leniently
• What is one limitation of subcultural theory?

  Oversimplifies relationships
• The functionalist perspective explains how crime and deviance can maintain social order and cohesion
• The functionalist perspective fully accounts for individual motivations and agency in crime.

  False
• Subcultural theory explains how marginalized groups may develop their own sources of status and belonging
• Match the theoretical perspective with a real-world example:

  Functionalism ↔️ Protests leading to riots

  Strain Theory ↔️ Cybercrime related to economic hardship

  Labeling Theory ↔️ Repeat offenders in youth gangs

  Subcultural Theory ↔️ Drug trafficking within cartels
• Crime refers to violations of laws punishable by the state
• Durkheim's concept of anomie occurs when societal norms become weak, leading to confusion and normlessness
• Cohen and Cloward and Ohlin argued that delinquent subcultures develop as a way for disadvantaged youth to find alternative sources of status
• Becker's labeling theory proposes that crime and deviance are consequences of societal reactions
• Labeling theory suggests that being labeled as deviant can become a self-fulfilling prophecy
• Labeling theory views crime as a reaction to social exclusion and the inability to achieve status legitimately.


  True
• Strain theory suggests that crime arises from the inability to achieve societal goals
• The functionalist perspective views crime as reinforcing social norms