Chapter 3 Flashcards
What do subjectivists focus on?
They want to find out the “whys”; who enforces the rules and who benefits from them?
Explain symbolic interactionism
use of everyday forms of social interaction to explain society as a whole.
Explain “social construction”
social characteristics (deviance) are creations of a certain society at a specific time in history, just as objects are artifacts of that society
What is “verstehen” and who coined the term
German = “to understand”. SO we need to see the world as the group being studied sees it. Max Weber coined it.
What is Labelling Theory?
The idea that deviance (& conformity) results from how others respond to “deviant” actions
Who created Labelling Theory, and explain primary and secondary deviance
Edwin Lemert. Primary Deviance: Violations are minimal and have no effect on self-identity (ex. skipping school).
Secondary Deviance: when someone is labeled as deviant and it affects their self image and leads to be more deviant (ex. being labelled an “alcohol abuser”).
Who coined the term “stigma”, and what is its relation to a “master status”?
Erving Goffman - said it was an attribute deeply discrediting. A stigma operates as a master status in that it overpowers every other aspect someone may have. It discredits someone in t he mins of others.
Explain The Presentation of Self
Erving Goffman. Uses a “Dramaturgical Approach” where social life is like performing, and there are our front stage selves and our back stage selves
What is the Deviant Career?
Progression through deviance and progression through a career. Careers are influenced by contingencies and turning points encountered at each stage.
What are the stages of the deviant career?
- Entry (through experimentation) 2. A sense of Continuity (sense of staying) 3. Perception of increasing opportunity (you think you can get better at what you’re doing) 4. Increased sophistication 5. Recognition by peers
Adler and Adler’s Shifts and Oscillations in Upper Level Drug Traffickers’ Careers
Dealers found it hard to leave their deviant careers for a multitude of reasons
What are the Limitations of Symbolic Interactionism?
It ignored structural influences on interaction (like social policy). Labelling theory doesn’t show a proper understanding of how primary deviance becomes secondary deviance. Some deviant lifestyles don’t reflect careers (ex. prostitution)
Explain Marxist Theories of Deviance Steven Spitzer
Capitalist System: superfluous populations = problem population
Marxist Theories of Deviance Steven Spitzer’s main argument is
Capitalism is responsible for deviance. This model creates superfluous population. Labour displaces workers (because of specialized technology).
Explain instrumental and structural Marxism
Instrumental: social rules protect CAPITALISTS
Structural: Social rules protect CAPITALISM
