MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 7b Social Norms Deviance Sanctions

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This deck focuses on 7b Social Norms Deviance Sanctions, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

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Flashcard 1: What is the key difference between a norm and a law?

Answer: Norms are informal; laws are formal rules enforced by the state. Laws have codified penalties; norms rely on social pressure.

Flashcard 2: What is secondary deviance in labeling theory?

Answer: Deviance that follows internalizing a deviant label as identity. The label becomes self-fulfilling prophecy of continued deviance.

Flashcard 3: What is a mores in the context of social norms?

Answer: A strongly held moral norm; violations provoke strong sanctions. Violations trigger moral outrage and serious consequences.

Flashcard 4: Identify the concept: behavior violates a norm but is not necessarily illegal.

Answer: Deviance. All crimes are deviant, but not all deviance is criminal.

Flashcard 5: Which concept best fits: a strong moral norm where violation leads to severe condemnation?

Answer: Mores. Mores protect fundamental social values and morality.

Flashcard 6: What is the key difference between a norm and a law?

Answer: Norms are informal expectations; laws are formal rules with legal sanctions. Laws are codified with state-enforced penalties.

Flashcard 7: What is primary deviance in labeling theory?

Answer: Initial norm violation that does not change self-concept significantly. The act itself before society applies a deviant label.

Flashcard 8: What is deviance in the sociological sense?

Answer: Behavior that violates social norms in a given context. Context determines whether behavior is considered deviant.

Flashcard 9: Which concept states that deviance is defined by social reaction, not the act itself?

Answer: Labeling theory. Labeling theory emphasizes that societal reactions construct deviance, transforming acts into deviant identities through social processes.

Flashcard 10: What is the difference between formal and informal sanctions?

Answer: Formal: institutional/legal; Informal: social approval or disapproval. Formal sanctions involve official mechanisms for enforcement, while informal ones rely on interpersonal reactions to maintain social order.

Flashcard 11: What is the difference between positive sanctions and negative sanctions?

Answer: Positive reward conformity; negative punish or discourage deviance. Both types shape behavior through consequences.

Flashcard 12: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared expectation for appropriate behavior in a group or society. Social norms guide behavior by establishing collective standards that maintain order and predictability within groups.

Flashcard 13: Which term describes deviance that strengthens group solidarity by clarifying norms?

Answer: Functionalist view: deviance can be socially functional (Durkheimian). Deviance clarifies boundaries and unites conformists.

Flashcard 14: Which term describes the process of learning norms and expected behaviors?

Answer: Socialization. Through this process, individuals learn cultural expectations.

Flashcard 15: What is deviance?

Answer: Behavior, belief, or condition that violates social norms. Context and culture determine what's considered deviant.

Flashcard 16: What is a folkway (as a type of norm)?

Answer: An informal norm for everyday behavior with weak social sanctions. Folkways regulate routine interactions with minimal enforcement, ensuring smooth social functioning without severe consequences for minor violations.

Flashcard 17: Identify the term for being treated differently because of a stigmatized trait.

Answer: Discrimination. Unfair treatment based on stigmatized characteristics.

Flashcard 18: What is strain theory (Merton) as an explanation for deviance?

Answer: Deviance arises when goals and legitimate means are misaligned. People turn to crime when blocked from legitimate success.

Flashcard 19: What is the difference between formal and informal sanctions?

Answer: Formal: institutional (fines/jail); informal: social (praise/shaming). Formal sanctions come from authorities; informal from peers.

Flashcard 20: What is the core idea of Merton's strain theory?

Answer: Deviance arises from a gap between cultural goals and legitimate means. Strain occurs when society promotes goals but limits access.

Flashcard 21: What is a sanction in sociology?

Answer: A reward or punishment used to enforce conformity to social norms. Sanctions reinforce norms by providing feedback, encouraging adherence through positive or negative consequences.

Flashcard 22: What is an in-group versus an out-group?

Answer: In-group: "us" identity; out-group: "them" category. Group membership shapes identity and behavior.

Flashcard 23: What is the difference between positive and negative sanctions?

Answer: Positive: rewards; negative: punishments. Both types shape behavior through consequences.

Flashcard 24: What is the definition of an in-group as it relates to norms?

Answer: A group with which one identifies and whose norms guide behavior. Members share values and enforce norms collectively.

Flashcard 25: What is the Thomas theorem?

Answer: If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. Shows how perceptions create social reality.

Flashcard 26: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared, informal rule that guides acceptable behavior in a group. Norms emerge from collective expectations, not formal decree.

Flashcard 27: What is the functionalist view of deviance (Durkheim)?

Answer: Deviance can reinforce norms, promote cohesion, and drive social change. Functionalism views deviance as serving society by clarifying norms, fostering unity against violations, and prompting adaptive changes.

Flashcard 28: What is a law as a social norm category?

Answer: A formally codified norm enforced by official institutions. Laws have state-backed enforcement mechanisms.

Flashcard 29: What is deviance in sociology?

Answer: Behavior or traits that violate social norms in a given context. Context determines what's considered deviant.

Flashcard 30: Which term refers to punishments or disapproval used to enforce norms?

Answer: Negative sanctions. Negative sanctions discourage norm violations.

Flashcard 31: What is the definition of an out-group as it relates to deviance judgments?

Answer: A group seen as different; its members are judged by in-group norms. Often stereotyped as deviant based on in-group standards.

Flashcard 32: What does labeling theory propose about deviance?

Answer: Deviance is shaped by social labels and reactions, not only the act. Society's reaction creates deviance, not just the behavior itself.

Flashcard 33: What is the self-fulfilling prophecy as applied to deviance?

Answer: A label changes behavior so the labeled outcome becomes more likely. Expectations shape actual behavior patterns.

Flashcard 34: What is primary deviance in labeling theory?

Answer: Initial norm violation that does not become part of a person's identity. Primary deviance involves isolated acts without self-identification, allowing individuals to maintain conventional roles post-violation.

Flashcard 35: What is social control?

Answer: Mechanisms used by groups to encourage conformity and discourage deviance. Society regulates behavior through various enforcement methods.

Flashcard 36: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared, informal rule that guides behavior in a group or society. Norms emerge from collective expectations and social interactions.

Flashcard 37: What is social control?

Answer: Mechanisms that regulate behavior to promote conformity to norms. Includes both internal and external pressures to conform.

Flashcard 38: What is stigma?

Answer: A discrediting social label that reduces a person's social status. Stigma marks individuals as socially unacceptable or inferior.

Flashcard 39: What is anomie according to Durkheim?

Answer: Normlessness due to weakened social regulation and unclear rules. Occurs during rapid social change when norms break down.

Flashcard 40: Identify whether a prison sentence is a formal or informal sanction.

Answer: Formal sanction. Prison sentences are administered by legal institutions, serving as structured penalties to deter and punish norm violations.

Flashcard 41: In Merton's strain theory, what is "innovation"?

Answer: Accepting goals but using illegitimate means to achieve them. Like crime to achieve wealth when legitimate paths are blocked.

Flashcard 42: What is a taboo?

Answer: A norm prohibiting an act seen as extremely offensive or unthinkable. Taboos are the strongest type of social norm.

Flashcard 43: What is a sanction in the context of social norms?

Answer: A reward or punishment used to enforce conformity to norms. Sanctions maintain social order through consequences.

Flashcard 44: What is a law as a type of social norm?

Answer: A formally codified norm enforced by official institutions. Laws transform social norms into state-enforced rules.

Flashcard 45: What is internalization of norms?

Answer: Adopting norms as personal values so compliance feels self-chosen. Makes following norms feel natural rather than forced.

Flashcard 46: What is deviance in sociological terms?

Answer: Behavior or belief that violates social norms in a given context. What's deviant varies by time, place, and culture.

Flashcard 47: What is the looking-glass self, and how does it relate to norms?

Answer: Self-concept shaped by perceived judgments of others, promoting conformity. We conform to match how we think others see us.

Flashcard 48: What is differential association theory of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is learned through interaction with deviant peers and norms. Differential association theory posits that exposure to deviant groups normalizes rule-breaking through learned attitudes and techniques.

Flashcard 49: What is the key idea of cultural relativism for judging deviance?

Answer: Deviance is defined relative to a specific culture and context. What's deviant in one society may be normal in another.

Flashcard 50: What is the difference between formal sanctions and informal sanctions?

Answer: Formal: official (laws); informal: social reactions (praise/shame). Formal involves authorities; informal involves peers.

Flashcard 51: What is anomie in Durkheim's theory?

Answer: Normlessness due to weak or unclear social norms. Occurs when social regulation breaks down or becomes unclear.

Flashcard 52: What does it mean that deviance is socially constructed?

Answer: It depends on social context, culture, and historical period. Same act can be normal or deviant in different settings.

Flashcard 53: What is the core claim of differential association theory of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is learned through interaction with deviant peers. Criminal behavior is socially transmitted like any skill.

Flashcard 54: What is labeling theory's main claim about deviance?

Answer: Deviance is shaped by societal reactions and labels, not only acts. Society's response creates deviance through stigmatization.

Flashcard 55: Identify the theory stating deviance results from being labeled as deviant.

Answer: Labeling theory. Society's reaction creates deviance, not the act itself.

Flashcard 56: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared, informal rule that guides behavior in a group. Norms emerge from collective expectations and social interactions.

Flashcard 57: What is deviance?

Answer: Behavior that violates social norms in a given social context. Context matters - what's deviant varies by time and place.

Flashcard 58: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared rule or expectation that guides behavior in a group. Norms create predictability and order in social interactions.

Flashcard 59: What is a law as a type of norm?

Answer: A formal norm enforced by an institution, typically the state. Laws codify important norms with official penalties.

Flashcard 60: What is a more (mores) in sociology?

Answer: A strong moral norm with serious sanctions when violated. Violations threaten core social values and group cohesion.

Flashcard 61: What is the conflict theory view of deviance?

Answer: Deviance and laws reflect power; rules are enforced to benefit elites. Conflict theory sees deviance definitions as tools of the powerful to maintain dominance by criminalizing threats to their interests.

Flashcard 62: What is internalization of norms?

Answer: Adopting norms as personal values that guide behavior. Creates self-regulation without external enforcement.

Flashcard 63: What is labeling theory's main mechanism for producing deviance?

Answer: Being labeled deviant promotes a deviant identity and behavior. Social reaction creates deviance, not the act itself.

Flashcard 64: What is a sanction in the context of social control?

Answer: A reward or punishment used to encourage norm conformity. Sanctions maintain social order through behavioral consequences.

Flashcard 65: What is secondary deviance in labeling theory?

Answer: Deviance that follows labeling and becomes part of self-identity. Labeling causes person to adopt deviant identity.

Flashcard 66: What is a social sanction?

Answer: A reward or punishment used to enforce conformity to norms. Sanctions maintain social order through behavioral consequences.

Flashcard 67: What is internalization of norms?

Answer: Adopting norms as personal values so conformity occurs without external pressure. Most effective form of social control.

Flashcard 68: What is deviance in sociology?

Answer: Behavior or traits that violate social norms and elicit social reaction. Deviance arises from breaching expected norms, triggering social responses that reinforce group boundaries and conformity.

Flashcard 69: Which option best describes cultural relativity of deviance?

Answer: An act is deviant only relative to the norms of a particular culture and time. No universal deviance exists across all societies.

Flashcard 70: What is strain theory (Merton) as an explanation for deviance?

Answer: Deviance arises when goals are valued but legitimate means are blocked. Structural inequality creates pressure for deviant adaptations.

Flashcard 71: What is the difference between positive and negative sanctions?

Answer: Positive reward conformity; negative punish deviance. Positive = rewards (praise); negative = punishments (fines).

Flashcard 72: What is the difference between descriptive norms and injunctive norms?

Answer: Descriptive: what is done; injunctive: what is approved. Descriptive shows actual behavior; injunctive shows moral expectations.

Flashcard 73: What is the difference between positive and negative sanctions?

Answer: Positive: rewards; negative: punishments. Both types shape behavior through different consequences.

Flashcard 74: What is the difference between formal and informal norms?

Answer: Formal: codified rules; informal: unwritten social expectations. Formal = laws/policies; informal = customs/traditions.

Flashcard 75: What is a social norm in sociology?

Answer: A shared rule or expectation that guides behavior in a group. Norms create predictable patterns of behavior within social groups.

Flashcard 76: Identify the concept: deviance is defined by the situation and the audience, not the act itself.

Answer: Relativity of deviance (context-dependent deviance). Same behavior can be normal or deviant depending on context.

Flashcard 77: Which Merton adaptation describes accepting cultural goals but using illegitimate means?

Answer: Innovation. Like using crime to achieve wealth when legitimate paths fail.

Flashcard 78: Which term refers to rewards or approval used to reinforce norms?

Answer: Positive sanctions. Positive sanctions encourage conformity to norms.

Flashcard 79: What is stigma in the context of deviance and labeling?

Answer: A socially discrediting attribute that reduces a person's status. Stigma marks individuals as outsiders, facilitating social control by discouraging association and reinforcing normative behavior.

Flashcard 80: What is labeling theory of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is shaped by social reactions and labels applied by others. Focuses on societal response, not the act itself.

Flashcard 81: What term describes norms that are informal, everyday expectations (for example, etiquette)?

Answer: Folkways. These are casual norms without serious consequences when violated.

Flashcard 82: What is the difference between primary and secondary deviance?

Answer: Primary: initial act; secondary: deviance after deviant labeling. Secondary deviance results from accepting deviant identity.

Flashcard 83: What is deviance in the sociological sense?

Answer: Behavior or beliefs that violate social norms in a given context. Deviance is culturally defined, not inherently wrong.

Flashcard 84: What is the difference between a positive and a negative sanction?

Answer: Positive rewards conformity; negative punishes deviance. Both types reinforce norms through different consequences.

Flashcard 85: What is social control?

Answer: Mechanisms that regulate behavior to promote conformity to norms. Includes both rewards and punishments.

Flashcard 86: What is differential association theory of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is learned through interaction with deviant peers and norms. Sutherland's theory emphasizes social learning of deviance.

Flashcard 87: What is cultural relativism as applied to deviance?

Answer: Deviance depends on cultural context; no universal standard. What's deviant in one culture may be normal in another.

Flashcard 88: What is internalization of a norm?

Answer: Adopting a norm as a personal value so compliance is self-driven. Person follows norm because they believe it's right.

Flashcard 89: Identify whether public ridicule for breaking etiquette is a formal or informal sanction.

Answer: Informal sanction. Public ridicule operates through social networks, informally enforcing norms via peer pressure without institutional involvement.

Flashcard 90: What is secondary deviance in labeling theory?

Answer: Deviance that follows internalizing the deviant label. The label becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Flashcard 91: What is a taboo as a type of norm?

Answer: A norm prohibiting a behavior that is seen as extremely offensive. Universal taboos include incest and cannibalism.

Flashcard 92: What is ethnocentrism as applied to deviance?

Answer: Judging other cultures' behaviors by one's own cultural standards. Often leads to misunderstanding other cultures' practices.

Flashcard 93: What is labeling theory of deviance?

Answer: Deviance is amplified when society labels a person and they adopt it. The label becomes part of one's identity and behavior.

Flashcard 94: Which term refers to unwritten, implicit rules that guide everyday social behavior?

Answer: Informal norms. These norms operate through shared understanding, not documentation.

Flashcard 95: Which term refers to punishments that discourage norm-violating behavior?

Answer: Negative sanctions. These deter undesired behaviors through punishment.

Flashcard 96: What is social control?

Answer: Mechanisms that regulate behavior to promote conformity to norms. Includes both rewards and punishments to shape behavior.

Flashcard 97: Which option best represents a formal negative sanction: gossip, a fine, a compliment, or a smile?

Answer: A fine. Fines are official punishments imposed by institutions.

Flashcard 98: What is the difference between primary deviance and secondary deviance?

Answer: Primary: initial acts; secondary: deviance driven by internalized label. Secondary occurs when people adopt deviant identity after labeling.

Flashcard 99: What is strain theory (Merton) as an explanation for deviance?

Answer: Deviance arises when goals and legitimate means are mismatched. People innovate illegitimate means to achieve cultural goals.

Flashcard 100: What is the difference between formal sanctions and informal sanctions?

Answer: Formal: institutional; informal: social reactions from individuals or groups. Formal uses official channels; informal uses social pressure.