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Deviant Behavior

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Deviant Behavior
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Mid Term Exam
SOC323 – Deviant Behavior
Week 4
Daniel Frey
March 31, 2012
Patricia Case

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The Midterm Exam consists of 5 essay questions taken from Modules 1-4. Each essay should be 250-500 words. The Midterm Examination will be completed during Module 4 and is worth 15% of your overall course grade.
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1. -------------------------------------------------
Drawing on Module 1, define the analytical term “deviant behavior.” Make sure to include a discussion of the difference between deviant behavior and criminal behavior and draw on your textbook, as well as the YouTube video from Module 1.

Deviant behavior consists of behavior that differs from the norms and values of wider society. Criminal behavior consists of behavior that breaks the law (e.g. murder, theft).
Those who exhibit deviant behavior act and dress in a way that differs to the norms and values of wider society. One example of a deviant group is Goths. Most cases of deviant behavior are legal, but in some cases their behavior can result in criminal activity. A group of people who exhibit deviant behavior share their own norms and values that form a distinct subculture.
Deviant groups are often labeled by the media in a negative manner. Tabloid newspapers tend to take a more overtly biased approach towards labeling deviant groups, although labeling is not simply


References: Adler, P. (2012) Constructions of Deviance Social Power, Context, and Interactions. Wadsworth. Belomont, CA. Drislane, R. Ph.D. and Parkinson, G. Ph.D. (2002). Online dictionary of social science: Moral entrepreneurs. Athabasca University. Retrieved from: http://bitbucket.icaap.org/dict.pl?term=MORAL%20ENTREPRENEURS Florida State University. (n.d.). Howard Becker’s labeling theory. Retrieved from: https://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/becker.htm
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