Interactionism and labelling theorists perspective on crime and deviance Flashcards
What is interactionists and labelling theorists definition of crime?
It is not the nature of the “act” that makes it deviant but the nature of society’s reaction to it. - deviance is in the eye of the beholder.
What does Becker believe that a deviant is?
Someone whom the deviant label has been successfully applied.
What are moral entrepreneurs according to Becker?
People who lead a moral campaign to change the law.
What are the 2 effects Becker states the introduction of new laws- from moral entrepreneurs- have?
- The creation of a new group of ‘outsiders’, outlaws or deviants who break the new rule
- The creation or expansion of a social control agency to enforce the rule and impose labels on offenders.
How does Platt say that juvenile delinquency was created?
Originally created as a result of a campaign by upper class Victorian moral entrepreneurs, aimed at protecting young people at risk.
What are the 3 factors that lead to whether a person is arrested, charged and convicted for an act?
- their interactions with agencies of social control
- their appearance, background and personal biography
- the situation and circumstances of the offence
What do Piliavin and Briar find based on who the police arrested?
Found that police decisions to arrest a youth were mainly based on physical cues such as dress and manner from which they made judgements about the youths character. They could also be swayed by the suspects gender, class and ethnicity.
