Social Problems and Social Control: Deviance, Crime, Poverty, Unemployment, Gender Inequality and Means of Control
This domain tests definitions, causes and control. Use evidence and distinguish moral judgement from sociological analysis.
Problems and control
Deviance is behaviour that violates significant norms; crime is deviance codified in law. Deviance is relative across time and society. Poverty can be absolute (subsistence minimum) or relative (deprivation versus prevailing standards). Unemployment includes open, underemployment and disguised unemployment. Gender inequality covers wage gaps, unpaid care, violence and unequal representation. Social control is exercised informally (socialisation, gossip, shame, praise) and formally (law, police, courts, punishment).
Worked example
Why does a slum youth join a gang? Individual 'bad character' explains little. Blocked formal employment, peer networks, policing practices and alternative status systems raise the likelihood. Control then requires both opportunity and legitimate sanctions.
Traps
Deviance is not the same as crime. Poverty is not only low income; it includes capability deprivation. Informal control is not weaker than formal control. Do not blame unemployment solely on individual laziness. Do not confuse absolute and relative poverty.