interactionism and labelling theory

Question 1

Becker’s labelling theory

Answer 1

deviance is socially constructed
no act is deviant until labelled as such by those in power (moral entrepreneurs)

Question 2

Lemert’s primary and secondary deviance

Answer 2

primary deviance: initial minor deviance
secondary deviance: deviant identity formed after labelling, often leading to self-fulfilling prophecy

Question 3

Cicourel’s negotiation of justice

Answer 3

police stereotypes influence arrests
middle-class offenders are more likely to be seen as “just misguided”, avoiding harsher punishment

Question 4

evaluation of interactionism

Answer 4

ignores real victims of crime
sometimes romanticises criminals and doesn’t explain original deviant act (primary deviance problem)