Author Question: After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, there were reports of increased criminal activity ... (Read 38 times)

lilldybug07 · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, there were reports of increased criminal activity and looting.

Looters broke into electronics stores and stole merchandise, and increasing numbers of violent attacks exceeded all police efforts to keep the rising levels of violence in check. How would a sociologist explain these phenomena?
a. Urban residents altered their behaviors to conform to the norms of a new social reality.
b. During times of crisis, social norms change but are more clearly defined.
c. In the absence of social structures, rules are unclear, and everyone has to improvise.
d. People always choose to act as criminals when they know police officers are not watching them.

Question 2

Thomas, who has never been to a formal dinner, is attending one at his friend's house. Throughout the evening, Thomas observes his friend's behavior in order to fit in and act appropriately.

Thomas is learning the social ______ of a formal dinner.
a. norms
b. hierarchies
c. roles
d. structures