All Free Sociology MCQs with Answers
Every Sociology question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
1258 questions · page 31 of 126
301. What is defined as non-conformity to a given set of norms that are accepted by a significant number of people in a community or society ?
- A. criminality
- B. deviance
- C. recidivism
- D. degeneracy
Explanation: Deviance means non-conformity to norms accepted by a significant section of a community or society. Criminality is narrower because it refers specifically to violations of criminal law.
Correct answer: deviance302. Sutherlands study of the professional thief suggested that_______________?
- A. people are socialized into a life of crime by associating with others who define it in positive terms
- B. the majority of crime is committed by middle class people in professional occupations
- C. those who were arrested and charged with theft did not define themselves as thieves
- D. the most dangerous criminals on the street were those who were highly skilled thieves
Explanation: Sutherland’s study supported differential association: criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others who provide favourable definitions of crime. It therefore explains criminal socialization rather than claiming that most criminals are middle-class professionals.
Correct answer: people are socialized into a life of crime by associating with others who define it in positive terms303. The Macpherson Report highlighted the increasing problem of_____________?
- A. hate crimes violence against ethnic minorities simply because of their race
- B. institutional racism systematic forms of disadvantage built into the routines and practices of social institutions
- C. overt racism in the police force that must be tackled by institutional reforms
- D. growing numbers of asylum seekers in need of long-term accommodation
Explanation: The Macpherson Report, following the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, identified institutional racism as disadvantage embedded in the routines and practices of institutions, especially the police. This is broader than individual or overt racist acts.
Correct answer: institutional racism systematic forms of disadvantage built into the routines and practices of social institutions304. Gambling public drunkenness prostitution and smoking marijuana are often considered ?
- A. white-collar crimes
- B. violent crimes against people
- C. "victimless" crimes
- D. organized crime
Explanation: These acts are commonly labelled victimless crimes because the law treats them as offences without a clearly identifiable direct victim, although their social harms remain debated. They are not necessarily violent, organized, or white-collar offences.
Correct answer: "victimless" crimes305. Which of the following offered pioneering insights regarding professional criminals by publishing an annotated account written by a professional thief ?
- A. Robert Merton
- B. Emile Durkhieim
- C. Howard S Becker
- D. Edwin Sutherland
Explanation: Edwin Sutherland published The Professional Thief, an annotated account based on the experiences of a professional criminal. This work helped show how criminal expertise and conduct are learned socially.
Correct answer: Edwin Sutherland306. Which of the following suggested that the punishments established within a culture help to define acceptable behavior and thus contribute to stability ?
- A. William Chambliss
- B. Emile Durkheim
- C. Richard Quinney
- D. Stanley Milgram
Explanation: Durkheim argued that punishment expresses society’s moral boundaries by showing which conduct is unacceptable, thereby reinforcing collective norms and social solidarity. The other thinkers listed are associated with different areas of sociology or psychology.
Correct answer: Emile Durkheim307. If we fail to respect and obey social norms we may face punishment through informal or formal ?
- A. techniques of neutralization
- B. deviance
- C. cultural transmission
- D. sanctions
Explanation: Sanctions are the rewards or punishments attached to conformity and nonconformity, and they may be informal, such as ridicule, or formal, such as legal penalties. Deviance is the violation itself, not the punishment for it.
Correct answer: sanctions308. The society which lacks consistent guidelines for people to learn is termed as_____________?
- A. Inconsistent society
- B. Incoherent society
- C. Anomic Society
- D. None of these
Explanation: An anomic society lacks clear and consistent norms that guide behaviour and learning. The term comes from anomie, meaning normlessness, rather than merely general inconsistency or incoherence.
Correct answer: Anomic Society309. If an individual fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the society he/she is usually termed as________________?
- A. Obedient
- B. Abnormal
- C. Deviant
- D. None of these
Explanation: A person who violates the accepted rules or norms of society is called deviant. Abnormal is a broader and less specifically sociological label, while obedient describes compliance with rules.
Correct answer: Deviant310. A great deal of leadership and authority rests upon the skillful manipulation of the group as a___________?
- A. Source of power
- B. Source of help
- C. control device
- D. None of these
Explanation: A group can be manipulated to direct members' behaviour, making it a control device in the exercise of leadership and authority. It is not simply a source of help, although groups may also provide assistance.
Correct answer: control device