Interactionist Theory On Crime Flashcards
Briefly outline the interactionist interests regarding crime and deviance
Interactionists are interested in the social construction of crime and deviance. They believe that there is no universal definition of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ as they all rely on social, historical and cultural context
Identify the two groups that are required for the construction of crime and deviance according to Becker?
One group who lacks power and acts in a particular way.
A second group who has power and defines the first groups actions as deviant.
According to Becker who are moral entrepreneurs?
Moral entrepreneurs are those who have the power to change behavioural expectations to what they feel is acceptable. Therefore, make laws forcing everyone to conform.
State and outline the two types of deviancy that Lemart identifies.
Primary deviance is deviance that has not been labelled as criminal by the public.
Secondary deviance is once an act is exposed to the public is labelled as deviance subsequent to this.
What did youngs study of hippy drug users show?
How aspects of secondary deviance such as police stereotyping and labelling lead to a self fulfilling prophecy. Therefore, increasing the drug problem and showing how secondary deviance may lead to deviance amplification.
Identify and explain braitwaithes two types of shaming?
Disintegrative shaming is where the criminal is labelled as deviant and is not accepted back into society.
Reintegrative shaming is a more forgiving approach whereby the act is labelled as criminal not the person so he/she can be reintegrated into society.
