Social Control and Deviance: A Comprehensive Guide for Sociology Students

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Promoting individual freedom

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Encouraging social conformity

Answer

Preventing social deviance

Question 2

According to labelling theory, deviance is:

Accepted Answer

Created by societal reactions to certain behaviours

Answer

A result of biological or psychological factors

Answer

A form of social protest against societal norms

Answer

A threat to the stability of society

Question 3

The concept of the 'spiral of deviance' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process by which repeated negative labelling leads to increased deviant behavior

Answer

The idea that deviance is a sign of personal weakness

Answer

The tendency for deviance to spread from one individual to another

Answer

The belief that deviance is inevitable in certain societies

Question 4

The concept of 'moral panic' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A widespread, often exaggerated, fear of a particular group or behavior

Answer

A sudden increase in crime rates

Answer

A decline in moral standards

Answer

A government crackdown on crime

Question 5

The concept of 'social construction of deviance' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way in which society defines what is considered deviant

Answer

The way in which individuals conform to social norms

Answer

The way in which deviance is punished

Answer

The way in which deviance is rewarded

Question 6

Which characteristic is NOT associated with formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Reliance on societal norms

Answer

Enforcement by state authorities

Answer

Aim to prevent deviant behavior

Question 7

According to Labelling Theory, which of the following is a key mechanism in the creation of deviance?

Accepted Answer

Attaching negative labels to individuals

Answer

Isolating individuals from society

Answer

Creating laws that define certain behaviors as deviant

Answer

Socializing individuals into deviant behavior

Question 8

Which of the following is not a primary function of formal social control?

Accepted Answer

Educating individuals about societal norms

Answer

Establishing and enforcing laws

Answer

Punishing violations

Answer

Encouraging social conformity

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an informal mechanism of social control?

Accepted Answer

Social disapproval or ostracism

Answer

Imprisonment

Answer

Legal fines

Answer

Probationary supervision

Question 10

Becker's theory of deviance highlights which of the following as a crucial element in the process of becoming an 'outsider'?

Accepted Answer

Negative labeling by society and its institutions

Answer

Lack of social support and positive relationships

Answer

Experiencing significant economic hardship

Answer

Having a history of emotional instability

Question 11

Which of the following characteristics does NOT apply to primary deviance?

Accepted Answer

It is typically committed by individuals who are considered deviant.

Answer

It is a relatively minor violation of social norms.

Answer

It is often met with societal disapproval or consequences.

Answer

It can lead to secondary deviance.

Question 12

According to labeling theory, which factor is considered to be the primary cause of deviance?

Accepted Answer

The reactions and perceptions of others

Answer

Biological predispositions

Answer

Social conditions and influences

Answer

Psychological disorders

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of an informal mechanism of social control?

Accepted Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Police enforcement

Answer

Court proceedings

Answer

Imprisonment

Question 14

What is considered to be the primary objective of social control?

Accepted Answer

Preserving social order and stability

Answer

Eliminating all forms of deviance

Answer

Protecting individual rights and freedoms

Answer

Promoting social change and progress

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a caractéristique of Durkheim's theory of anomie?

Accepted Answer

Increased social solidarity

Answer

Lack of social regulation

Answer

Breakdown of social norms

Answer

Strain between individual aspirations and societal expectations

Question 16

Which of the following is considered a type of formal social control mechanism?

Accepted Answer

The police

Answer

Peer pressure

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Religious beliefs

Question 17

Marxist theorists argue that deviance is primarily a consequence of:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and class conflict

Answer

Individual moral failings

Answer

Pathological personality traits

Answer

Cultural relativism

Question 18

Which of the following is a key concept in symbolic interactionism?

Accepted Answer

Social construction of reality

Answer

Role theory

Answer

Differential association

Answer

Class conflict

Question 19

According to Merton's strain theory, what happens when individuals are unable to achieve their societal goals through legitimate means?

Accepted Answer

They engage in deviant behavior

Answer

They conform to societal norms

Answer

They withdraw from society

Answer

They become involved in political activism

Question 20

What is the main difference between primary and secondary deviance?

Accepted Answer

Primary deviance is a response to societal pressure, while secondary deviance is a reaction to labeling

Answer

Primary deviance is intentional, while secondary deviance is unintentional

Answer

Primary deviance is accepted by society, while secondary deviance is not

Answer

Primary deviance is a major offense, while secondary deviance is a minor crime