Interactionists Flashcards
1
Q
Labelling theory
A
- Interested in now and why certain acts come tobe define oe labeled as criminals.
2
Q
Becker
A
- Social groups create deviance by creating the rules and applying these rules to particular people.
3
Q
Primary deviance
A
Acts can be seen as a ‘one off’ or mistake.
Short term label
4
Q
Secondary deviance
A
Repeated acts seen to indicate bad character.
Permanent label
5
Q
How are labels assigned?
A
- The deviant label is almost always given by a powerful
person to a weak person. - This might explain why rich and famous get away a lot more than most people. Eg. tax evasion
6
Q
Who assigns the labels?
A
- Moral entrepreneurs
- People or organisations that can apply powerful labels. (Eg. TNCs)
7
Q
Deviancy amplification and spiralling
A
Bad labels make others treat criminals poorly. This makes them resentful and makes them act more ‘aggressive’ in a deviancy amplification spiral, (Wilkins, 1964)
8
Q
Selective law enforcement
A
- Cicourel, studies arrests in California
- People arrested more poor, low income, ethnic minorities. (around 75%)
9
Q
Strengths of Interactionist theory
A
- Reveals importance of those with power in defining acts
- Reveals importance of stereotypes
- Shows how labeling can lead to self fulfilling prophecy
10
Q
Weaknesses of Interactionist theory
A
- Removes blame off deviant and onto those who define them as deviant.
- Assumes acts aren’t deviant until they’re labelled
- Doesn’t explain crime pre labels.
- Some reject labels
