Interactionist theories (Labelling)

Question 1

How does labelling explain crime?

Answer 1

Labelling theorists say some people are demonised by society, causing them to internalise bad ideas about themselves
They develop poor self-esteem and lash out, supporting a self-fulfilling prophecy

Question 2

What are the four main ideas?

Answer 2

Power relationships - the “deviant” label is almost always given by a powerful person to a weak person
Selective law enforcement - labelling affects treatment of people doing wrong
Deviancy Amplification - bad labels make others treat criminals poorly, this makes them resentful and makes their acts more serious/aggressive in a “Deviancy Amplification Spiral” (Wilkins, 1964)
Moral entrepreneurs - people or organisations that can apply powerful labels

Question 3

What are the two types of deviant or criminal labels?

Answer 3

Primary deviance - acts seen as a “one-off” or mistake (short-term label)
Secondary deviance - acts seen to indicate bad character (permanent label)

Question 4

How is secondary deviance amplified?

Answer 4

By hostile treatment of the individual, leading to them acquiring a “master status” - they are now “a criminal” rather than “someone who committed crimes”
This is where SFP begins