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Sociology: A Brief Introduction, 4/e
Richard T. Schaefer, DePaul University
Deviance And Social Control

Internet Exercises

  1. Sociologists and government agencies share a need for timely, accurate, and complete data regarding crime rates. The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides an online examination of crime statistics and a look at the agency itself Click on "Most Wanted," "Programs & Initiatives," and "Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)." Then answer the following questions:
    1. Who are currently the top ten most-wanted fugitives in the United States according to the FBI? What crimes are they accused of committing?
    2. According to the data in the UCR section, do overall crime rates appear to be going up or down from 1995 to 1999?
    3. Choose one crime in particular and track it over the last half-decade. Is the rate going up or down? What might explain this change?
    4. What is NIBRS and how does it aid in the attempt to acquire more accurate crime data?
    5. In 1998, how many law enforcement agents were assaulted? How many were killed in the line of duty?
    6. Which category of persons is most likely to be the victim of a hate crime in terms of race? In terms of religion? In terms of sexual orientation?
    7. What is NIPC? Why is this an important program of the FBI?
    8. Why is the collection of crime data so important to social scientists?
  2. This chapter introduces us to many different types of crimes and theories, all geared toward bringing a greater understanding of deviant behavior. Take a virtual field trip to Dark Horse Multimedia, Inc.'s The Crime Library. Choose one criminal listed on the site and read the online biography and view any pictures provided.
    1. Which person did you choose? Why did you choose that person?
    2. What crimes did the person allegedly commit? Can this person's deviant behavior serve as an example of any of the "Types of Crimes" found in your text? If so, how?
    3. What social and historical forces played a part in the person's behavior or decisions?
    4. What fact that you learned about this person surprised you the most? Why?
    5. Which of the theories presented in the text do you think would be most useful for gaining an understanding of the person's behavior? Why that theory?
    6. According to Merton's theory presented in your text, which "Mode(s) of Individual Adaptation" would the criminal you read about be considered an example of? Why?
    7. What informal and formal social controls were used with this person?
  3. When we hear the word deviance, we may think of criminal behavior. However, many examples of deviance have nothing to do with breaking formal laws. People can be considered deviant for looking different, having unique beliefs, or just being a member of a particular group. For example, societal and media forces pressure many people to maintain a certain body image. For an exploration of the connection between our bodies and our culture, direct your browser to Kim Dixon, Tiffany Kary, and Dan Maccarone's website, "body (i)con: the conning of American women into the pursuit of a perfect body". Visit each section and answer the following:
    1. How have our perceptions of beauty and body changed over time? What body shape and size was considered beautiful in the 1890s as compared to the 1990s?
    2. According to the timeline presented on the site, what important milestones and historical events influenced our body perceptions?
    3. How much money do corporations and businesses make from weight-loss and health products and services?
    4. What role do the media and advertising play?
    5. What are some of the causes and consequences of surgery to augment or change one's body for cosmetic purposes? Why would someone decide to undergo such a procedure?
    6. How do differing cultures and subcultures view beauty and body?
    7. What are some ways that people are "fighting back''? Which method do you think will be most effective?
    8. What health risks and eating disorders are associated with the "pursuit of a perfect body"? Read some of the personal stories shared on the website. Which story did you find most affecting? Why?
    9. What social and personal challenges do those who do not conform to the ideal beauty image in the United States face?








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