SOC 375 Deviant
Behavior 2012
Note: You will not know in advance which questions will be selected for the exam
so it is advisable to prepare for each question.
Remember the exam will be closed-notes and closed-book. Your answers
should reflect the breadth of information presented in the class
and must incorporate specific material
from the course readings whenever appropriate.
Please bring a blank blue book to the exam.
One of the essay questions below will appear on your exam, plus there will be a
short answer, fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, true/false section based
primarily on key terms from the text and your notes.
1.
Discuss the relationship between power and deviance.
Be sure to at least address:
a)
The definition of power
b)
How “moral entrepreneurs” may influence how deviance is seen and handled with
policies. Give a concrete example.
c)
The assumptions of labeling theory, and how it may help explain the relationship
between power and deviance. Give an
example.
2.
Discuss the practices of the Appalachian snake handlers (see youtube video).
Be sure to answer at least:
a)
The functions of deviance according to Emile Durkheim.
b)
Which of the functions Durkheim wrote about appear to be relevant for the snake
handlers? What were they
accomplishing through their practices?
c)
What are the various forms of social control possible, and which were at work in
the case of the snake handlers?
3.
Discuss explanations for how one becomes deviant.
Be sure to address at least:
a)
The assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of two biological explanations for
deviance.
b)
The use of roles to explain the deviance process (G.H. Mead, for example).
c)
The strengths and weaknesses of rational choice theory for explaining deviance.
4.
Discuss the relationship between social structure and deviance.
For each of the theories below show how they explain the causes of
deviance, the strengths and weaknesses of the theory, and describe the solutions
to problems of deviance suggested by the theory:
a)
Conflict approach
b)
Messner and Rosenfeld on the American dream
c)
Hirschi’s control/social bond theory
Good Luck