1. What is deviance? Give one example of deviance.
2. What are the different types of crime? Define each type.
3. What is social control? Give one example of social control.
4. What are three factors that Hirschi argues makes us more or less likely to be deviant?
5. What is the criminal justice system? What are two parts of this system?
6. Critical Thinking Questions
1. Which of the explanations for deviance discussed (biological, labeling theory, Durkheim's theory,
strain theory) do you think best explains deviance? Why?
2. Sociologists argue that what is considered deviant varies from culture to culture. Give an
example of something that might be considered deviant in one area but would be the norm in
another. Discuss your personal opinion of whether this activity is deviant and why.
3. Hirschi provides several factors that he believes influence whether or not a person will act in a
deviant way. Which one do you think is most important in preventing deviance? Why?
4. Durkheim argues that deviance is important to society. What functions does he believe deviance
gives society? Do you agree with him that deviance has important functions in society? Why or
why not?
5. Do you think that punishments like prison sentences or fines help stop crime? Why or why not?