Chapter 7 : Conformity, Deviance and Crime

1. Many people claim biological or psychological factors are behind m ost of the differences in crime and deviance among people. Based upon your reading of this chapter, explain the shortcomings of using biological or psychological factors to understand deviance.

2. Briefly summarize several leading theories explaining crime and deviance presented in this chapter: differential association, anomie, labeling, conflict, and control theories. Which theory appeals to you more than the others? Explain why.

3. Explain how differences in power and social influence can play a significant role in defining and sanctioning deviant behavior.

4. Based upon your reading of this chapter, explain why American homicide rates are among the world's highest, certainly much higher than those in most other Western European nations.

5. The text provides evidence that both the victims and perpetrators of crime are overwhelmingly male. Is this because women are not as likely to be criminal s or because of the ways in which they are perceived and processed by the criminal justice system?

6. Many former prisoners engage in crimes after their release from jail. Based upon your textbook reading, how would you recommend changing our criminal and judicial system to more successfully stop former criminals from becoming repeat offenders?

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