Social Construction Of Crime/ Labelling Theory

Question 1

Becker

Answer 1

Social Construction on Crime
Moral entrepreneurs - Individuals or groups, such as politicians or the media, influence laws and public perception by labeling certain behaviors as deviant.
Moral cascades - Public concern over deviance amplifies through media and societal reactions, leading to harsher policies and enforcement.

Question 2

Cicourel

Answer 2

‘Ideal Delinquent’
Negotiated Justice - Law enforcement officers and the justice system use discretion, meaning individuals from different backgrounds may face unequal treatment.
Master Status - Once labeled as deviant, an individual’s criminal identity overshadows all other aspects of their character, shaping how society treats them.

Question 3

Lemert

Answer 3

How primary deviance leads to secondary deviance
Primary deviance - Minor rule-breaking often goes unnoticed and does not affect an individual’s self-identity.
Secondary deviance - When society labels an offender, they internalize this identity and continue criminal behavior as part of their self-concept.

Question 4

Cohen

Answer 4

Moral panic theory
Folk devil - A group or individual is portrayed as a societal threat, often exaggerated by the media.
Moral panic - Public anxiety over perceived threats leads to overreaction, often resulting in stricter laws and increased social control.