Labelling Theory Flashcards
Why did labelling theory gain momentum in the 60s?
Change in public sentiments against the government (adopted a conflict perspective) — Civil Rights, Vietnam War
What are assumptions of labelling theory?
No one is naturally deviant; society defines what is criminal and labels that behavior
What are the two principles of labelling theory?
Status characteristics, secondary deviance
What is the hypothesis of status characteristics?
People with particular characteristics are more likely to be labeled
What is the hypothesis for secondary deviance?
Being labeled increases deviance
What does Becker say about conflict and status characteristics?
Laws are created by humans who have power to oppress those without power
What are good examples of societal reaction to certain behaviors?
Drug laws
What is the looking-glass self?
Your social self is shaped by how you see yourself and how others see you
What is role-taking, according to Mead?
We develop our personal roles based on how we think we should be acting and how society tells us to act
During which of Mead’s 3 stages does imitation play an important role?
Game stage (construct generalized other)
What is the difference between primary and secondary deviance?
Primary is the initial act; secondary is the continuance of crime if society reacts to the act
What is the process of primary and secondary deviance, according to Lemert?
Primary deviance —> get caught/official reaction —> stigma + master status —> secondary deviation
What is master status?
When one status (deviant) overrides all other personal statuses and becomes the defining character
What is role engulfment?
When the master status totally consumes an individual
What are the 3 components of revised labelling theory?
Others’ actual appraisals, reflected appraisals, self-appraisals
