SCC Deviance and Crime 3

Question 1

Social disorganization theory, developed by Shaw and McKay, links crime primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Weakened community institutions in transitional urban neighborhoods

Answer

Shaw and McKay found that crime rates remained high in certain Chicago neighborhoods regardless of which ethnic group lived there, pointing to neighborhood instability rather than individual traits.

Question 2

Which concept from control theory refers to the investment a person has in conventional society that discourages deviance?

Accepted Answer

Stake in conformity

Answer

A 'stake in conformity' describes the bonds — such as a good job, family, or reputation — that make deviance too costly for an individual.

Question 3

Edwin Sutherland's concept of 'differential association' argues that criminal behavior is learned through:

Accepted Answer

Intimate personal groups that transmit pro-criminal attitudes and techniques

Answer

Differential association theory holds that people become criminal when they are exposed to more definitions favorable to law violation than unfavorable ones within close relationships.

Question 4

A 'moral panic' occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Society overreacts to a perceived threat, labeling a group as a danger to social values

Answer

Stanley Cohen coined 'moral panic' to describe disproportionate societal anxiety about a group or behavior that threatens mainstream values, often amplified by media.

Question 5

White-collar crime is typically distinguished from street crime by:

Accepted Answer

Being committed by persons of high social status in the course of their occupation

Answer

Edwin Sutherland defined white-collar crime as crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation, such as embezzlement or securities fraud.

(SCC) Sociology Certificate Course Practice Test

(SCC) Sociology Certificate Course Practice Test

SCC Deviance and Crime 3