Labelling Theory

Question 1

What’s labelling theory?

Answer 1

Becker:
- interested in how and why acts are labelled as criminal
- depends on situation and societal reaction
- things are only criminal if others label it so

Question 2

Deviancy label

Answer 2

Primary deviance - a “criminal” act which is just a one off, just a person doing a “bad” thing (speeding)

Secondary deviance- repeated “criminal” acts which indicates flawed individual (more permanent)

Becker: these labels given by more powerful people (moral entrepreneurs) to less powerful people

Question 3

Deviancy amplification spiral

Answer 3

Wilkins:
-deviant label causes individual to internalise the label over time
- becomes master status
- others treat individual more poorly
- keep committing crime

Case study (Young, 1971): Notting Hill drug users
- developed deviant self concept (master status) —> negative social reaction —> increased drug taking

Question 4

Shaming

Answer 4

Braithwaite: individuals experience either one depending on social reaction
Disintegrative shaming - labels action and person as deviant (less likely to be accepted back into society)
Integrative shaming - labels action as deviant not person (they can return into society)