Beckers labelling theory

Question 1

When did Becker develop his theory?

Answer 1

1963

Question 2

What perspective is Becker’s theory?

Answer 2

Interactionist

Question 3

What is Becker’s theory?

Answer 3

Deviance is caused by the interactions between groups where one group has the power to impose its label on another. Becker shifts attention from the behaviour identified as deviant to the process by which it becomes deviant.

Question 4

What does it argue?

Answer 4

Labelling theory argues that the law does not treat all groups equally but selects some groups rather than others, often based on skin colour.

It argues that it is not the deviant that is the problem but the apparatus of social control that seeks conformity.

Question 5

use this language in analysis.

Answer 5

Social groups create deviance by making rules whose infraction constitutes deviance, and by applying them to specific people and labelling them as outsiders.

Therefore it is not a quality of the act of the person but the consequence of the application by others of the rules and sanctions to an offender.

Question 6

criticism?

Answer 6

inability to explain primary deviance, its lack of attention to the labeling of categories of people, and its failure to specify the conditions under which official labeling works.

Question 7

Positive?

Answer 7

Is good for explaining secondary deviance.