labelling and control theories Flashcards
what is labelling theory in criminology?
labelling theory is a collection of perspectives rather than a single theory, suggesting that societal labels can influence individual behaviour and identity
what happens when someone is labeled as a criminal or deviant?
they may internalise that label, leading to further deviant behaviour and potentially becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy
what is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of labelling theory?
it’s the idea that if someone is labeled negatively, they may begin to act in ways that conform to that label, even if it wasn’t their original identity
how does labelling theory relate to societal reactions?
the theory emphasises that societal reactions and the stigma attached to labels can significantly impact an individual’s behaviour and identity
how is labelling theory similar to techniques of neutralisation?
both concepts help explain the complexities of crime and deviance, with labelling theory focusing on the impact of labels and techniques of neutralisation explaining how individuals rationalise their deviant behaviour
what do labelling perspectives suggest about formal reactions to crime?
they suggest that formal reactions can become a stepping-stone in the development of a criminal career and escalate antisocial behaviours
who are 3 key theorists associated with labelling perspectives?
- Becker
- Lemert
- Tannennbaum
what is the foundation of labelling perspectives built upon?
symbolic interactionism, as proposed by Blumer
what does symbolic interactionism posit?
that social meaning is generated through the repeated use of social actions, objects, and language
how do definitions ‘cause’ deviance?
they generate symbolic processes that lead individuals to be set aside as negatively categorised and undergo a transformation of status
what transformation can occur due to labelling?
individuals may be viewed as inferior or morally unfit, which can entrench them in a deviant identity
how is the definition of ‘deviant’ behaviour constructed under labelling perspectives?
it is socially constructed through a process of repeated interactions
who gives meaning to labels in the labelling perspective?
meaning is given to labels by both society and individuals themselves
what contributes to the internalisation of labels?
the repeat application and internalisation of these labels contribute to how individuals perceive themselves
what role do repeated interactions play in labelling perspectives?
they are essential in constructing the social meaning of deviant behaviour
what does the labelling perspective suggest about deviance?
it postulates that deviance is in the eyes of the beholders and that labelling someone as deviant can lead to negative consequences, such as giving a ‘dog a bad name
what is the central idea of labelling theory?
the central idea is that deviance is created by the social audience, its criteria of judgment, and the consequences of its judgment, which are the primary causes of deviance
how do theorists in labelling theory view deviance and deviants?
they require criminologists to think of deviance and deviants as social constructions that arise from a process of interaction.
what did this way of thinking lead to in terms of theory and analysis?
it led to the development of two related but separate areas of theory and analysis
what does the first area of labelling perspective explore?
it explores the importance of social reactions in shaping the behaviour of those who are labelled as deviant
what emphasis came with the focus on social reactions in labelling theory?
there was an emphasis on analytic methods that call for the discovery of meaning through qualitative methods
what does the second area of labelling theory address?
it addresses questions regarding the development of definitions of behaviours as deviant or criminal
what mechanisms are examined in relation to formal social control agencies?
it examines how agencies like the police decide who to process as criminal and thus label
which theoretical framework is associated with the labelling perspective?
symbolic interactionism