Multiple Choice
According to Durkheim, deviance is the violation of (the) __________?
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8. Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
Theoretical Perspectives on Deviance
Multiple Choice
Which of the following most accurately describes deviance according to strain theory?
A
Deviance is necessary for social cohesion.
B
Deviance is the result of unemployment and poverty, which are natural parts of all societies.
C
Deviance is an unnatural part of society that arises from the unequal distribution of resources between business owners and workers.
D
Deviance may arise when someone has insufficient means to meet goals.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the core concept of strain theory in sociology, which was developed by Robert K. Merton. Strain theory explains deviance as a result of the tension or strain individuals feel when they cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means.
Step 2: Identify the key elements of strain theory: culturally defined goals (such as wealth or success) and the socially accepted means to achieve these goals (such as education or employment). When there is a disjunction between goals and means, strain occurs.
Step 3: Recognize that deviance, according to strain theory, arises when individuals experience this strain and resort to alternative, often illegitimate or deviant, methods to achieve the goals because they lack sufficient legitimate means.
Step 4: Compare the given answer choices to the strain theory explanation. The correct description should emphasize the relationship between insufficient means and the pursuit of goals leading to deviance.
Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate description of deviance according to strain theory is that deviance may arise when someone has insufficient means to meet culturally approved goals, which aligns with the correct answer provided.
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