History and Social Science, Part 39

Question 1: Discuss the deterrence theory.

Answer 1: Deterrence theory suggests that immediate and severe punishment will diminish the frequency of a crime. Most legal systems, including that of the United States, currently operate according to the theory of deterrence rather than prevention. One obvious example of deterrence theory in practice is the arms race between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War. Both sides hoped to prevent a devastating nuclear war by building up their own arsenal, and thereby dissuading the other side from attacking. Though catastrophic deviance was avoided, the financial and emotional cost of this policy was extremely high. Sociologists note that deterrence theory, while perhaps a viable method of decreasing deviance, does not consider the motives for deviance.

Question 2: Describe the control theory.

Answer 2: Sociologists use control theory to explain the relative prevalence of deviance in various societies. Basically, control theory suggests that societies in which the individual feels a strong bond with his or her community will contain fewer incidents of deviant behavior, while societies in which individuals feel alienated from their fellows will be more prone to deviance. The manner in which a society maintains these bonds can be either formal or informal. Formal social controls are embodied in explicit laws and rules, whereby deviance is punished. Informal social controls are typically less obvious; they consist of the connections that a society allows to be made among people in religious or other community groups. When informal social controls are strong, formal controls are much less necessary.

Question 3: Describe social bonds.

Answer 3: In control theory, social bonds are the specific links between an individual and a society that minimize deviant behavior. These bonds can be between the individual and the cultural values and norms, between the individual and the social institutions, and between individuals themselves. Emile Durkheim used the concept of social bonds to explain why Protestants were more susceptible to suicide than Catholics: according to him, the powerful institution of the Catholic Church acted as a strong social bond, such that individuals always knew their role. This feeling of being useful and necessary in society contrasted with the feelings of alienation Durkheim observed in some members of the Protestant faiths, which because of their simpler organization had perhaps less of an institutional bond with their adherents.

Flashcard Secrets provides test preparation products for a variety of examinations - all trademarks are property of their respective trademark owners.

3827 Phelan #179

Beaumont, TX 77707