Interactionaist Theory: Labelling Theory

Question 1

5 things labelling theory takes focus on

Answer 1

1. Interaction between deviants and those who define them as deviant
2. Process whereby rules are selectively enforced e.g assumptions used by police
3. Consequences of those being labelled- impact on self-concept
4. Circumstances in which person gets set apart and labelled as deviant
5. Analysis of who has power to attach deviant labels

Question 2

Selective law enforcement

Answer 2

Becker suggests police operate with pre-existing conceptions and stereotypical categories of what constitutes trouble, criminal types, criminal areas.

Question 3

Lemert primary and secondary deviance

Answer 3

Primary: Hasn’t been publicly labelled as such such as pinching stationary from work, breaking traffic laws, downloading child pornography
Secondary: When the person is found out and labelled with master status