Chapter 3: Interpretive and Critical Theories

Question 1

Interpretive Theories

Answer 1

Interpretations can be determined by who we have interacted with

Question 2

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

Answer 2

We communicate with others using symbols
Physical cues, conversational cues, interactional cues

Question 3

Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Role-Taking

Answer 3

Putting yourself into someone else’s shoes to see their point of view

Question 4

Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Looking Glass Self

Answer 4

How others view and define us can translate to how we view ourselves

Question 5

Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Significant Others

Answer 5

Important people to us shape how we behave and conduct ourselves because their perceptions matter to us

Question 6

Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Generalized Other

Answer 6

How other people shape how we behave
“What would other people think if I did this”

Question 7

Labelling Theory

Answer 7

The process in labelling something as deviant
The role of a label contributing to deviance

Question 8

Labelling Process

Answer 8

A deviant label is applied –> Rejection by the conforming world –> Changes in lifestyle and identity

Question 9

Tagging

Answer 9

Applying a deviant label to an act or person

Question 10

Dramatization of Evil

Answer 10

It is no longer just the act that is deviant, it is the person as a whole
This can result in an identity built around this label

Question 11

Lemert’s Labelling Theory: Primary Deviance

Answer 11

The initial act of deviance, usually as a child
Not committed to a lifestyle of deviance yet
Getting caught can determine whether a person moves onto secondary deviance

Question 12

Lemert’s Labelling Theory: Secondary Deviance

Answer 12

The person gravitates toward similar people where they feel seen and appreciated
After this, they continue deviance as a lifestyle

Question 13

Goffman’s Labelling Theory

Answer 13

Stigmatization is the consequence of labels
Stigma by association can be applied through the stigma of others

Question 14

Goffman’s Labelling Theory: Dramaturgical Approach

Answer 14

When we are in front of others, we are on the front stage
When we are alone, we are on the back stage where we can step away from that role

Question 15

Becker’s Labelling Theory: Master Status

Answer 15

The label now defines this person and overrides all other good qualities
This can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy where the person accepts the label they have been given

Question 16

Limitations of Interpretive Theories

Answer 16

Labels are subjective depending on individual experiences
Our perspectives can be different depending on where we are in social structures (upper vs lower class, etc)

Question 17

Power Relations

Answer 17

We need to understand the power relations of society to understand deviance

Question 18

Emancipatory Foundations (Praxis)

Answer 18

Praxis is a practice meant to empower and free people
When you understand deviance, you can emancipate yourself

Question 19

Conflict Theory

Answer 19

Rules serve the interests of the powerful

Question 20

Hegemony

Answer 20

Using status and influence to assert their control over the rest of society

Question 21

False Consciousness

Answer 21

People are misled by political and influential figures into believing they have some sort of power

Question 22

Instrumental Marxism

Answer 22

The law, the police and other institutions are instruments of power to oppress certain groups and benefit the elite

Question 23

Structural Marxism

Answer 23

Argues that the state still has some autonomy and the elite do not hold all of the power

Question 24

Cultural Conflict Theory

Answer 24

Each cultural group has their own sets of norms and values

Question 25

Power-Reflexive Theory

Answer 25

Intertwines power and knowledge
Gaining knowledge is dependent on your power of power

Question 26

Panoptical

Answer 26

Everything is visible in one view
People can be controlled when they believe that they are under constant surveillance even if no one is actually watching

Question 27

Feminist Theory

Answer 27

This theory is emancipatory
Social experiences are gendered
Androcentric bias - mostly male experience
There is intersectionality, which means that women have different experiences based on many factors

Question 28

Postmodern Theory

Answer 28

The idea of norms are challenged

Question 29

Limitations of Critical Theories

Answer 29

Conflict theories do not recognize consensus in society