According to some theorists, deviance results from which two factors?

• A. High socioeconomic status and strong community networks
• B. Weak societal ties and weak family ties of individuals
• C. Strict law enforcement and high surveillance
• D. Genetic predisposition alone

Answer: (B)

Social control through bonds is the key idea. Some theorists argue that deviance arises when attachments to important social groups are weak, especially family and the broader society. When family ties are strong, there’s emotional connection and expectations about conduct; when ties to society or community are firm, people are more involved in conventional activities and more likely to internalize norms. Together, these strong bonds create informal social controls that deter rule-breaking. If both family connections and societal connections are weak, those controls fade, making deviant behavior more likely because there’s less to lose and fewer reasons to conform. The other options describe factors that either strengthen social regulation or rely on enforcement or biology, which aren’t the focus of these theories.