Deviance Theories

Consider the following statement: “The more you hang around with a group of teenagers who shoplift, the more likely it is that you will become a shoplifter.” Which of the following theories would most strongly agree with this statement?

• control theory
• differential association theory
• labeling theory
• retreatism theory

A computer operator figures out a way to steal from the bank where he works by sending money to
a secret account. This is an example of

• retreatism.
• control theory.
• labeling theory.
• white-collar crime.

How does differential association help to explain the nurture view of learned deviance?

• the more crimes you commit, the more likely that you will continue to commit crimes

• deviance is passed down through the generations

• when deviants are labeled, they generally accept that label

• the closer and more frequent your interactions with deviants, the more likely that you will become deviant also

Behavior that violates significant social norms is called

• defiance

• deviance

• rebellion

• conflict

Which perspective says that deviance is a natural part of society?

• Conflict perspective

• Functionalist perspective

• Interactionist perspective

This theory states that we learn deviance through our association with deviant peers

• conflict theory

• labeling theory

• differential association theory

• control theory

This theory states that deviance is determined by the audience

• control theory

• conflict theory

• labeling theory

• strain theory

This theory states that deviance results from the tension between society's goals and the available means to achieve them.

• conflict theory

• strain theory

• labeling theory

• differential association theory

Labeling Theory states that

• most of today's teenagers engage in secondary deviance.

• the definition of deviance often depends on the person who is engaging in the behavior.

• people may reject a goal but still continue to use the legitimate means to achieve it.

• the more time a person spends with a group, the more likely he or she is to conform to that group's behavior.

When someone commits crime to enrich themselves because they don't have access to the socially acceptable means of accumulating wealth, which theory is in play?

• social disorganization theory

• social control theory

• strain theory

• conflict theory