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In the context of deviance, which of the following statements is true about sociologists?

A. They classify certain kinds of behavior or people as being "good" or "bad."
B. They are primarily interested in questions of how crime and criminals can best be controlled.
C. They attempt to determine what types of behavior are defined as deviant.
D. They have developed a number of theories that offer a comprehensive explanation of all deviance.

User Jweaks
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Final answer:

Among the given options, the one that is true about about sociologists is:
C. They attempt to determine what types of behavior are defined as deviant.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sociologists are primarily concerned with understanding and analyzing the social construction of deviance. This means they investigate how societies and cultures define, label, and categorize certain behaviors or individuals as deviant. Deviance is not an inherent quality of behavior but rather a product of societal norms, values, and expectations.

Sociologists recognize that what is considered deviant can vary across different societies and over time. They seek to uncover the social processes, norms, and power dynamics that influence these definitions and classifications. By doing so, they aim to shed light on why certain behaviors are labeled as deviant, how social control mechanisms are applied, and how deviant individuals may be stigmatized or marginalized.

Option A is not entirely accurate because sociologists do not classify behaviors as inherently "good" or "bad" but rather examine the social context and factors that influence such judgments. Option B oversimplifies their interests, as sociologists study a wide range of aspects related to deviance beyond just control mechanisms. Option D is not accurate either, as there is no single comprehensive theory that explains all forms of deviance due to its complexity and variability across societies.

Therefore, the correct option is: C. They attempt to determine what types of behavior are defined as deviant.

User Christian Trimble
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