Chapter 3: Interpretive and Critical Theories Flashcards
Interpretive Theories
Interpretations can be determined by who we have interacted with
Symbolic Interactionist Theory
We communicate with others using symbols
Physical cues, conversational cues, interactional cues
Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Role-Taking
Putting yourself into someone else’s shoes to see their point of view
Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Looking Glass Self
How others view and define us can translate to how we view ourselves
Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Significant Others
Important people to us shape how we behave and conduct ourselves because their perceptions matter to us
Symbolic Interactionist Theory: Generalized Other
How other people shape how we behave
“What would other people think if I did this”
Labelling Theory
The process in labelling something as deviant
The role of a label contributing to deviance
Labelling Process
A deviant label is applied –> Rejection by the conforming world –> Changes in lifestyle and identity
Tagging
Applying a deviant label to an act or person
Dramatization of Evil
It is no longer just the act that is deviant, it is the person as a whole
This can result in an identity built around this label
Lemert’s Labelling Theory: Primary Deviance
The initial act of deviance, usually as a child
Not committed to a lifestyle of deviance yet
Getting caught can determine whether a person moves onto secondary deviance
Lemert’s Labelling Theory: Secondary Deviance
The person gravitates toward similar people where they feel seen and appreciated
After this, they continue deviance as a lifestyle
Goffman’s Labelling Theory
Stigmatization is the consequence of labels
Stigma by association can be applied through the stigma of others
Goffman’s Labelling Theory: Dramaturgical Approach
When we are in front of others, we are on the front stage
When we are alone, we are on the back stage where we can step away from that role
Becker’s Labelling Theory: Master Status
The label now defines this person and overrides all other good qualities
This can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy where the person accepts the label they have been given
Limitations of Interpretive Theories
Labels are subjective depending on individual experiences
Our perspectives can be different depending on where we are in social structures (upper vs lower class, etc)
Power Relations
We need to understand the power relations of society to understand deviance
Emancipatory Foundations (Praxis)
Praxis is a practice meant to empower and free people
When you understand deviance, you can emancipate yourself
Conflict Theory
Rules serve the interests of the powerful
Hegemony
Using status and influence to assert their control over the rest of society
False Consciousness
People are misled by political and influential figures into believing they have some sort of power
Instrumental Marxism
The law, the police and other institutions are instruments of power to oppress certain groups and benefit the elite
Structural Marxism
Argues that the state still has some autonomy and the elite do not hold all of the power
Cultural Conflict Theory
Each cultural group has their own sets of norms and values
