Labelling theory Flashcards
What does labelling theory suggest about deviance?
Deviance doesn’t exist; it is a consequence of the application of rules and sanctions by others.
Who is associated with the concept that deviance is a result of societal labels?
Becker (1963)
What is the significance of the case of Pacific Islanders regarding labelling theory?
A young man committed suicide after being shamed for an incestuous affair.
What does primary deviance refer to?
Rule breaking that has little importance; individuals often know their actions are against the law before being labelled.
Who studied the impact of labelling on ‘hippies’ and their interactions with police?
Young (1971)
What is deviance amplification?
The phenomenon where the interactions between labelled individuals and authorities lead to more crime and deviant behavior.
What does Lemert (1972) distinguish between in his theory of deviance?
Primary deviance and secondary deviance.
What is primary deviance according to Lemert?
Rule breaking that is not significantly reacted to by society.
What is secondary deviance according to Lemert?
Deviance that results from the response of others to the initial rule-breaking.
What is Becker’s concept of ‘master status’?
When individuals are labelled solely based on a defining characteristic, rendering other qualities insignificant.
Who explored the concept of moral panics in relation to labelling?
Cohen (1972)
What is a moral panic?
Labels applied by authorities to certain groups, resulting in increased deviance in the public eye.
Who critiqued the notion of typical delinquents and their interaction with social control agencies?
Cicourel (1976)
What does Cicourel’s study suggest about police interactions?
Police are more likely to stop delinquents in bad, low-income areas with high crime rates.
What is the phenomenological approach in the context of labelling theory?
It focuses on the process of how acts are defined without explaining why they are defined that way.
What are the two types of shaming distinguished by Braithwaite?
Disintegrative shaming and reintegrative shaming.
What is disintegrative shaming?
Crime and the criminal are labelled as bad, leading to exclusion from society.
What is reintegrative shaming?
Emphasis on the act rather than the individual, aiming to reintegrate the offender into society.
True or False: Labelling always leads to more crime.
False
