Labelling Theory

Question 1

Becker’s labelling theory

Answer 1

• deviance is socially constructed- it is societies reaction to something which makes it deviant.
• ‘moral entrepreneurs’ have the power to apply the labels and ‘frame criminality’
• Fraser and Atkinson ‘Glasgow Gangs’
  x Gouldner- interactionists ignore the wider power structures and fail to challenge the status quo.

Question 2

The Effects of labelling

Answer 2

• Lemert ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ deviance
• Jock Young and the hippies
  x realism- they fail to offer a solution to the crime.

Question 3

deviance amplification

Answer 3

• Stan Cohen ‘mods and rockers’
• fights weren’t that serious but media distorted it creating a moral panic- society saw them as ‘folk devils’
• this led to harsher policing and the groups becoming polarised
• Hall and ‘policing the crisis’
  x McRobbie and Thomas- this is no longer applicable in the modern world

Question 4

disintegrative and re-integrative shaming [Braithwaite]

Answer 4

• D- where the crime and the criminal are both labelled negatively
• R- where the act is labelled negatively but not the actor.
• avoids stigmatising the offender which prevents further deviance.
  x right realism- this is too lenient on offenders, they need harsh punishment