AC 2.3- sociological theories- interactionist theory Flashcards
evaluation
2 strengths
-shows how police create crime by applying labels based on stereotypes of typical criminals. This selective law enforcement may explain the working-class is over represented in crime stats
-shows how attempts to control deviance can trigger a deviance amplification spiral (eg. in a moral panic) and create deviance
what did becker suggest (2)
-labels are a social construct applied to individuals to criminalise them
-interactions and interpretations of negative behaviour leads to labelling
what did cicourel conclude as part of labelling theory (2)
-concluded definitions of criminality is negotiated by some groups
-when a middle class youth was arrested they were less likely to be charged than working class youth because their social background didnt fit the stereotypical delinquent
what is the social construction of deviance
-requires 2 groups- one powerless group acts in a particular way and a more powerful group interprets the action as wrong, so labels the group/action as criminal
what is interpretation (2)
-deviance is a matter of interpretation
-no act is inherently criminal in all situations
-acts only become officially criminal when interpreted by others- a societal reaction
what is the self fulfilling prophecy (2)
-labelling someone as criminal results in prejudice/discrimination
-makes it hard for criminals to adopt normal behaviour
what is primary deviance (3)
-insignificant deviance that hasnt been publicly labelled
-has little significance for someones status/identity
-primary deviants dont see themselves as devaint and neither does society
what is secondary deviance (2)
-the result of a societal reaction (labelling)
-being labelled as a criminal involved being stimagtised+excluded from normal society
5 stages of deviance amplification
negative label->self concept->label reinforced->master status->deviant career
