Labelling Theory Flashcards
What is the Key idea of Labelling theory?
1)Crime is socially constructed-crimes only becomes criminal if those in power label them the act as criminal
2)Not everyone who is deviant gets labelled as such-negative labels are generally (deviant) are generally given to the powerless by the powerful
3) Labelling has real consequences-it can lead to deviancy amplification the self-fulfilling prophecy and deviant careers
4)Labelling theory has a clear ‘value position’-it should aim to promote policies that prevent labelling minor acts of deviant
What does Becker say about Deviant?
Becker says Deviant behaviour is therefore a social construct.We choose what is deviant and label people as deviant so if society or more than one successfully apply to you then you become a criminal
What did Briar found about police decision?
police decisions to arrest were mainly based on physical appearance such as the way they are dressed.This tended to be aimed towards ethnic minorities
What is Primary deviance?
you commit the crime/deviant behaviour but it wasn’t witnessed/labelled
What is Secondary deviance?
when action is witnessed and someone is labelled
and person is rejected by society this would mean person rejects society which lead to deviant career
What is a Moral entrepreneurs?
-Interactionists are in who makes the rules
-These are people who lead moral movement they fight to change the law
Becker argues that Moral Entrepreneurs have 2 effects?
1) creation of new groups of ‘outsiders’-these are deviants who break the rules
2)The creation or expansion of social control agencies such as police.These people further enforce the rules and impose labels on the offender e.g. legalisation of Marijuana
Cicourel say about officers?
Cicourel suggests officers arrest people based on their stereotypes.He found that officers have their own theory as to who commits the most crime and they act on this theory
What is Deviance amplication spiral?
This is a process of trying to control deviance but instead it leads to an increase in deviant behaviour
Young says about Labels,Folk devils and Moral panics actually generate more crime?
•Folk devils-A person or thing who has bad influence on society
•Moral panic-An instance of public anxiety or alarm response to a problem as threatening the moral standards of society
Triplett says about crime?
we tend to see young offenders as evil and tend to less tolerant of minor offences
Briaithwaite says Labelling can be a positive and negative effect?
•Reintegrative shaming (positive)- ‘he did a bad thing’
•Disintegration shaming (negative)-‘he is a bad person’
Positive of labelling theory?
-Emphasise the social construction of crime and deviance
-Identifies and reveals the role of the powerful in crime and deviance
-Shows how deviant careers can be established
Negative of labelling theory?
-Deterministic-Labelling is straightforward
-Deviant becomes the victim and therefore not to blame for behaviour
