Labelling theories of crime Flashcards
Who are the two key thinkers?
Becker, Cicourel and Lemert.
Identify the four aspects of relativity in crime according to Becker.
Contextual
Historical Period
Cultural
Generational
What are moral entrepreneurs?
Those who decide what is morally acceptable within society, like the law makers and governments.
What was Lemerts theory?
Primary and Secondary deviance
What is primary deviance?
An act committed, which the individual recognises is deviant/criminal, but no one else knows, so no label is attached.
What is secondary deviance?
When a deviant act is observed by another person, so a label is attached to the individual committing the act.
What did Cicourel say?
Labelling leads to selective law enforcement. When a group is labelled criminal or deviant the police are likely to focus on that group, which reinforces the stereotype. He called these typification- common stereotypes of what a ‘typical’ criminal looks like
What are formal agencies of social control?
Police, criminal justice system, courts
What are informal agencies of social control?
peers, society
What are the consequences of labelling?
Self fulfilling prophecies, deviancy amplification and master status
What are self fulfilling prophecies?
One one is labelled and they internalise it and begin acting in the way they have been labelled.
What is deviancy amplification?
The idea that trying to control deviant leads to more deviance. Two examples, Cohen’s Mods and Rockers and Youngs study of cannabis smoker in Notting Hill.
What is master status?
When an individual is identified by only one aspect of themselves and it impacts how they are treated and perceived in society. With criminals this can lead to criminal careers, as they have legitimate career opportunities blocked, so continue turning to illegitimate means.
What are the strengths of labelling theories?
1) Emphasises that crime and deviance are socially constructed
2) Identifies the role of the powerful in crime and deviance
3) Shows joe criminal careers are formed
What are the limitations of labelling theories?
1) The deviant becomes the victim, so their responsibility is diminished.
2) Deterministic
3) Doesn’t explain why individuals act in deviant ways in the first place
4) Doesn’t explain where the stereotypes were formed
