Labelling theory in Crime and Deviance Flashcards
What does Becker argue about deviance?
Becker (Interactionism) argues deviance is not inherent in the act but is a label applied by others—”deviant behaviour is behaviour that people so label.”
What is Cicourel’s view of justice?
Cicourel argues justice is negotiable—m/c youths are less likely to be labelled due to how they present themselves.
What is Lemert’s theory of deviance?
Lemert distinguishes between primary deviance (unlabelled) and secondary deviance (labelled)—the latter has greater consequences due to societal reaction.
How does Malinowski’s study support labelling theory?
Malinowski found that incest was common on Pacific islands but only labelled deviant when made public, showing labelling depends on visibility and reaction.
What is a master status in labelling theory?
A master status is a dominant label (e.g., criminal) that overrides all other roles and shapes how others respond—can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
How does Wilkins explain deviance amplification?
Wilkins argues that attempts to control deviance can increase it, creating a deviancy amplification spiral and greater societal reaction.
What was Cohen’s finding on moral panic?
Cohen found the media exaggerated conflict between Mods and Rockers, creating a moral panic that led to increased policing and marginalisation.
What is reintegrative shaming?
Braithwaite argues reintegrative shaming labels the act, not the person—avoiding stigma and reducing reoffending.
What do Marxists argue about labelling theory?
Marxists argue labelling theory ignores power and capitalism—elites create laws to benefit themselves and label the working class as deviant.
What is Taylor et al.’s critique of secondary deviance?
Taylor et al. argue that even hidden deviance still impacts self-concept—people know they’re breaking norms even without being publicly labelled.
What is Gouldner’s criticism of labelling theory?
Gouldner says labelling theory doesn’t challenge the status quo—it distracts from real power holders like corporations and focuses only on agents of control.
How does Liazos criticise labelling theory?
Liazos argues labelling theory reinforces stereotypes by only studying marginal deviance like mental illness—ignoring white-collar and structural crime.
What is McRobbie and Thornton’s critique of moral panics?
They argue moral panics are outdated in a fragmented, media-saturated society—public opinion is too varied to generate unified panic responses.
Evaluate interactionist perspectives into crime ande deviance
- Crime is a social construction
- primary and secondary deviance
- Labelling and societal reaction
- Deviancy amplification and impact on the media
