Q.1 Which theoretical perspective explains social deviance primarily as a result of structurally induced strain between culturally prescribed goals and institutionally available means?
Functionalist strain theory of Robert K. Merton
Symbolic interactionist labeling theory framework
Conflict theory of Marxist criminology tradition
Social control theory of Hirschi attachment model
Explanation - Merton's strain theory argues that deviance arises when societal structures prevent individuals from achieving culturally approved goals through legitimate means.
Correct answer is: Functionalist strain theory of Robert K. Merton
Q.2 According to labeling theory, deviance is best understood as:
A biological predisposition toward antisocial behavior patterns
A consequence of formal societal reaction and stigma assignment
A direct result of economic inequality in capitalist systems
A learned response to differential reinforcement schedules
Explanation - Labeling theory emphasizes that deviance is not inherent in an act but is created through social reaction and labeling processes.
Correct answer is: A consequence of formal societal reaction and stigma assignment
Q.3 Which concept best describes the process by which a deviant label leads to further deviant behavior due to social exclusion and identity reinforcement?
Primary deviance stabilization effect
Secondary deviance amplification loop
Neutralization technique adaptation cycle
Differential association reinforcement phase
Explanation - Secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalize deviant labels, leading to continued deviant behavior.
Correct answer is: Secondary deviance amplification loop
Q.4 In differential association theory, criminal behavior is primarily learned through:
Genetic inheritance of antisocial traits across generations
Interaction within intimate personal groups over time
Exposure to mass media violent content exclusively
Random environmental exposure to deviant subcultures
Explanation - Sutherland's theory emphasizes learning deviant behavior through close interpersonal interactions.
Correct answer is: Interaction within intimate personal groups over time
Q.5 Which sociological concept refers to the weakening of social norms in rapidly changing or disorganized societies leading to deviant behavior?
Anomie as defined by Durkheim
Cultural relativism in ethnographic studies
Structural functional equilibrium theory
Normative convergence in social systems
Explanation - Durkheim's anomie describes normlessness that arises during social instability, increasing deviance.
Correct answer is: Anomie as defined by Durkheim
Q.6 Which theory emphasizes that law enforcement and criminal justice systems reflect the interests of dominant social classes?
Functionalist consensus theory of deviance
Conflict theory of criminal justice systems
Symbolic interactionist deviance labeling
Rational choice deterrence theory
Explanation - Conflict theory argues that laws and enforcement mechanisms serve dominant class interests.
Correct answer is: Conflict theory of criminal justice systems
Q.7 Merton's concept of 'innovation' refers to:
Rejecting both societal goals and means entirely
Accepting goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them
Rejecting goals while accepting institutional means
Conforming fully to both goals and means
Explanation - Innovation occurs when individuals accept cultural goals but use non-approved means.
Correct answer is: Accepting goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them
Q.8 Which concept explains why certain behaviors are defined as deviant in one culture but normal in another?
Cultural universalism in normative systems
Cultural relativism in deviance interpretation
Structural determinism in moral systems
Biological reductionism in social behavior
Explanation - Cultural relativism holds that deviance is defined relative to cultural norms.
Correct answer is: Cultural relativism in deviance interpretation
Q.9 Which term refers to the internalization of societal norms that regulate behavior and reduce deviance?
External coercive control mechanisms
Informal social sanctions framework
Internal social control processes
Structural strain adaptation model
Explanation - Internal social control refers to conscience and internalized norms guiding behavior.
Correct answer is: Internal social control processes
Q.10 Which theory suggests that deviance is a product of inadequate bonding to society?
Control theory of social attachment
Strain theory of structural pressure
Labeling theory of symbolic interaction
Conflict theory of power imbalance
Explanation - Hirschi's control theory emphasizes weakened social bonds as a cause of deviance.
Correct answer is: Control theory of social attachment
Q.11 In sociological theory, 'primary deviance' refers to:
Repeated criminal identity formation after labeling
Initial acts of rule-breaking not central to identity
State-imposed criminal categorization processes
Systemic deviance within institutional structures
Explanation - Primary deviance consists of initial rule violations without identity change.
Correct answer is: Initial acts of rule-breaking not central to identity
Q.12 Which concept describes the process of redefining deviant behavior as normal through normalization within subcultures?
Subcultural integration hypothesis
Differential normalization process
Cultural accommodation framework
Deviant subculture adaptation
Explanation - Deviant subcultures may normalize behaviors that mainstream society labels deviant.
Correct answer is: Deviant subculture adaptation
Q.13 Which sociologist is most associated with the development of differential association theory?
Émile Durkheim
Robert K. Merton
Edwin Sutherland
Howard Becker
Explanation - Sutherland developed differential association theory explaining learned deviance.
Correct answer is: Edwin Sutherland
Q.14 Which mechanism best explains how deviant identities become self-reinforcing?
Identity diffusion through cultural ambiguity
Self-fulfilling prophecy via labeling processes
Genetic predisposition reinforcement cycles
Structural strain resolution mechanisms
Explanation - Labeling can lead individuals to internalize deviant identities and act accordingly.
Correct answer is: Self-fulfilling prophecy via labeling processes
Q.15 Which concept refers to the deliberate use of legal or illegal means by powerful groups to maintain dominance?
Normative integration strategy
Social equilibrium maintenance
Structural power enforcement
Systemic social control
Explanation - Systemic social control reflects how dominant groups maintain power through institutional mechanisms.
Correct answer is: Systemic social control
Q.16 Which theory argues that deviance is a natural and necessary part of society?
Functionalist perspective of Durkheim
Rational choice deterrence model
Biological determinism approach
Symbolic interactionist labeling model
Explanation - Durkheim viewed deviance as functional, reinforcing norms and social cohesion.
Correct answer is: Functionalist perspective of Durkheim
Q.17 Which term describes individuals who conform to societal goals but reject institutional means?
Ritualists in strain adaptation theory
Innovators in structural strain model
Retreatists in deviance typology
Conformists in normative structure
Explanation - Innovators accept goals but reject legitimate means, often using illegitimate methods.
Correct answer is: Innovators in structural strain model
Q.18 Which concept best explains why minor deviant acts may escalate into serious criminal behavior?
Label escalation and identity reinforcement
Genetic behavioral amplification theory
Structural inequality feedback loop
Cultural diffusion of deviance norms
Explanation - Labeling can intensify deviant identity, leading to more serious deviance.
Correct answer is: Label escalation and identity reinforcement
Q.19 Which sociological framework focuses on the everyday interactions through which deviance is defined?
Symbolic interactionism approach
Structural functionalist model
Macro-conflict theory framework
Evolutionary biological model
Explanation - Symbolic interactionism studies how meaning and deviance are constructed in interaction.
Correct answer is: Symbolic interactionism approach
Q.20 Which concept refers to techniques used by individuals to neutralize guilt and justify deviant acts?
Techniques of neutralization theory
Strain adaptation mechanisms
Label internalization processes
Normative deviation cycles
Explanation - Sykes and Matza described how offenders justify deviance through rationalizations.
Correct answer is: Techniques of neutralization theory
Q.21 Which theory emphasizes that deviance results from breakdowns in societal regulation during rapid change?
Durkheimian anomie theory
Becker labeling theory
Goffman dramaturgical theory
Sutherland association theory
Explanation - Anomie arises when social regulation weakens during rapid change.
Correct answer is: Durkheimian anomie theory
Q.22 Which concept best describes the normalization of deviance within institutional settings over time?
Structural deviance reinforcement
Organizational deviance normalization
Institutional labeling expansion
Cultural strain adaptation
Explanation - Repeated deviant practices can become accepted within organizations.
Correct answer is: Organizational deviance normalization
Q.23 Which theorist introduced the concept of 'stigma' in relation to deviant identity?
Erving Goffman
Max Weber
Talcott Parsons
Robert K. Merton
Explanation - Goffman studied stigma and spoiled identity in social interaction.
Correct answer is: Erving Goffman
Q.24 Which concept refers to individuals withdrawing from both cultural goals and institutional means?
Ritualism in strain theory
Retreatism in strain theory
Rebellion in strain theory
Innovation in strain theory
Explanation - Retreatists reject both goals and means, often withdrawing from society.
Correct answer is: Retreatism in strain theory
Q.25 Which theory suggests that crime is learned in the same way as any other behavior?
Learning theory of deviance
Biological determinism theory
Structural strain theory
Functional equilibrium theory
Explanation - Criminal behavior is acquired through social learning processes.
Correct answer is: Learning theory of deviance