Interactionalism/ Labelling Theory Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the main idea of the social construction of deviance?
Deviance is a social construction, not based on the act itself.
According to Becker, who creates deviance?
Powerful social groups create deviance by creating rules and labeling certain individuals as ‘outsiders’.
Complete the phrase: ‘Deviance is in the eye of the _______.’
beholder
highlights that deviance is determined by societal perception and labeling.
What are moral entrepreneurs?
People who lead a moral ‘crusade’ to change the law to label certain behaviours as ‘deviant’.
What are the two effects of new laws created by moral entrepreneurs?
- Creation of a new group of ‘outsiders’: deviants who break new rules.
- Expansion of social control agencies: police, courts, officers to enforce the rule.
What does differential enforcement refer to?
Not everyone who commits an offence is punished; labeling depends on various social factors. Agencies of social control tend to label these groups as criminals.
Which groups do labelling theorists argue are often labeled as criminal?
- Black/brown individuals
- Young males
What did Pilliavin and Briar find regarding police arrest decisions?
based on stereotypical ideas about manner, dress, gender, class, and ethnicity.
How much more likely are young black males to be stopped and searched compared to white males?
7x
What is a criticism of labelling theory from Marxists?
It fails to locate the origin of labels in the structure of capitalism, labelling theory ignores broader economic and social structures.
What is a consequence of labelling theory regarding the perception of criminals?
It gives criminals a victim status, suggesting they are judged as typical criminals.
This perspective may overlook the experiences of actual crime victims.
What are typifications according to Cicourel?
Typifications are stereotypes of the ‘typical deviant’ used by police.
How do typifications affect the likelihood of arrest?
Individuals fitting typifications are more likely to be stopped, arrested, and charged.
Which groups are more likely to be arrested according to Cicourel?
Working class and ethnic minority juveniles.
What factors contribute to harsher treatment of certain groups by police?
Being from broken homes- more likely to be seen as dangerous so need more serious punishments.
How do middle class juveniles differ in their treatment by police?
Middle class juveniles are less likely to fit the typification and have parents who can negotiate justice.
What role does cultural capital play for middle class parents?
Cultural capital allows them to persuade police that their children are not serious repeat offenders.
What is a criticism of interactionism in the context of social policy?
Interactionism lacks any practical social policy focus. Left realists put forward realistic solutions to try and reduce crime.
What do left realists propose to address crime?
Realistic solutions to reduce crime, especially in inner-city areas.
What does Cicourel suggest about the use of statistics?
Statistics should not be used as a source of facts because they are products of differential enforcement.
What is primary deviance?
Deviant acts that have not been publicly labelled and often go uncaught.
Examples of primary deviance.
- Fare dodging
- Shoplifting
- Driving 32 mph in a 30 mph zone.
How do offenders perceive primary deviance?
They can easily rationalise it away as a ‘moment of madness’.
What is secondary deviance?
Deviance that occurs after an individual has been publicly caught and labelled.
