CriminologyLesson 1 of 2 in the course Deviance, Crime, and Social Control

Sociological Theories of Deviance: Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist Views

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces the sociological study of deviance through functionalism and explains Émile Durkheim’s argument that deviance can contribute to social life.

Sociologists use theoretical perspectives to explain why deviance occurs and how societies respond to it. Three major paradigms are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalists ask how parts of society contribute to the stability or operation of the whole. Conflict theorists emphasize inequality and struggles over power. Symbolic interactionists examine how meanings and labels develop through social interaction.

All flashcards

Strain theory
An explanation linking deviance to a gap between valued goals and access to legitimate means.
Social disorganization theory
An explanation linking crime to weak community ties and limited social control.
Primary deviance
A norm violation that does not cause lasting changes to self-image or social interactions.
Differential association theory
The view that people learn deviant behavior and definitions through close social relationships.
Hirschi’s four social bonds
Attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief; bonds that can encourage conformity.

Quiz questions

  1. In Merton’s strain theory, what adaptation describes accepting culturally valued goals while using illegitimate means?Answer: Innovation
  2. What question is central to conflict theory’s analysis of crime?Answer: Who has the power to define crime and whose interests the rules serve?
  3. In labeling theory, what distinguishes secondary deviance from primary deviance?Answer: A social reaction and deviant label contribute to changes in identity or behavior.
  4. According to differential association theory, how may close relationships influence deviant behavior?Answer: They can teach behavior and definitions favorable to deviance.
  5. Which four social bonds did Travis Hirschi identify as potentially encouraging conformity?Answer: Attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief

Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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