Overview
Write essay responses for each of the prompts associated with the selected chapters in Deviant
Behavior by Thio, Taylor and; Schwartz. Keep your responses separate by chapter, identifying
each essay by number or writing out the prompt with your response immediately following, but
turn them in together as one paper. Organizationally, begin each essay response at the top of a
new page. Your paper should be typed, well written and comprehensive in depth and detail.
Write responses to the following questions for Chapters 2, 3, and 5
Chapter 2: Positivist Theories
2-1 Compare and contrast strain and control theories. What does each say about the causes of
deviance? Which one seems more sensible?
2-2 How does social learning theory explain deviant behavior? What social forces does this
theory identify as possible factors that would pressure someone toward deviance?
Chapter 3: Constructionist Theories
3-1 Evaluate the labeling perspective on deviance. What are some pros and cons of this
approach? How does it relate to the more general process of social interaction?
3-2 Identify the central ideas of the conflict approach to deviance. In what ways is economic
and cultural conflict involved in the definition and control of deviance?
Chapter 5: Sexual Assault and Child Molestation
5-1 What is meant by the “culture of rape”? How does the culture work, and what are its
consequences?
5-2 Contrast and compare the psychological and sociological views on why men rape. Are these
men abnormal or driven by society? Which view seems to provide the best explanation?