Chapter 3 Howard S Becker Flashcards
Summary of Relativism: Labeling Theory Howard S Becker
In this article, Becker discusses how deviance is not only constructed by an individual’s deviant acts but also how society views these deviant actions. In other words, Becker takes a closer look of how individuals react to people who commit deviant acts. He also states that deviance is a social constructed fueled by social reactions. He also states how deviant acts can vary in degree based on social political and economic conditions. These specific conditions which can determine the severity of the deviant acts as well as the collection of meanings attached to this behavior include 1) the historical or temporal contexts framing the acts 2) The social position and power of those who commit these acts or have been harmed by these acts and 3) the consequences which arise from these acts. Last but not least Becker explains a certain chain of events once society labeled and classified an individual as deviant.
