Exam One

Sociological Theories of Deviance

Sociology 3305

UMD

REVIEW QUESTIONS
EXAM #1
  1. Why does Durkheim consider crime normal and useful?

  2. Compare the assumptions of the classical school with those of the positivist school. In particular, how do they view the relationship between society and the individual?

  3. Why are biological theories considered part of the positivist school? Use examples from the theories to explain your answer.

  4. What are the policy implications stemming from Social Disorganization Theory.

  5. According to Erikson, why does Society produce crime? How does it produce crime?

  6. Is crime irrational, pathological, or both? Draw on the material from class to explain your answer.

  7. Curran and Renzetti discuss many biological theories, briefly explain some of the policy implications stemming from these theories (like Hooton's or Sheldon's).

  8. In all biological theories, structure determines functions. What does this mean? Provide examples from class.

  9. What is Lombroso's theory of crime? Show why his theory is part of the positivistic school of criminology.

  10. Compare and contrast the ideas of human nature in classical school thought to positivistic thought.

  11. From Durkheim's and Erikson's point of view, can we or should we eliminate crime? Explain why or why not.

  12. Why are fluctuations in crime rates important? Why should we, or should we, be concerned?

  13. What is social disorganization? How is it produced?

  14. Explain the concentric zone theory of disorganization. What zone is crime more likely to be found in and why in that zone?

  15. According to Park, why is social change not desirable? Compare Park's view of social change to Durkheim's view.

  16. Explain the similarities and differences between deviance, delinquency, and crime.

  17. Explain Sheldon's system of somatotyping.



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Last modified on Wed Mar 13