Reference no: EM133727403

Question 1. A fundamental distinction was made between sociologists who adopt a normative perspective on deviance versus other sociologists who view deviance from a relativistic perspective. Define the normative perspective of deviance and the relativistic perspective. In general, how do these two perspectives on deviance differ?

Question 2. In Unit 2, you read about the

"Chicago School" of sociology.

During the 1920s, sociologists in the "Chicago School" conducted two different types of research on urban deviant behavior: (1) ecological research and (2) case study research. Describe the specific kinds of empirical data/evidence collected and analyzed in each of these two types of research.

Question 3. Robert Merton's theory of social structure and anomie represents one of the most important theoretical developments in the sociology of deviance. In particular, Merton's analysis of innovation as a deviant adaptation to pressures in American society provided new insight into the cultural and structural sources of lower-class crime. In your own words, briefly summarize Merton's explanation of high rates of criminal behavior in the American lower class.

Question 4. The McCaghy et al. chapter and the article by Liazos present a number of criticisms of the work of labeling theorists. Briefly describe two important criticisms of labeling theory that were presented in these assigned readings.

Question 5. According to C. Wright Mills

(assigned 2-page excerpt in Unit One), "Perhaps the most fruitful distinction with which the sociological imagination works is between 'the personal troubles of milieu' and 'the public issues of social structure! This distinction is an essential tool of the sociological imagination and a feature of all classic work in social science." Define personal troubles and public issues and explain the difference between them.