Module 9: Interactionist Theories Flashcards
Symbolic Interactionism
Sociological perspective, dynamics of how people interpret social situations with others.
Act on meanings held, meanings made by interactions among people, meanings learned are applied and modified.
Labelling
Deviance is a quality not of the act, but of the label that others attach to it.
Career
Passage of individual through recognized stages in one or more related identities.
Primary Deviance
When an individual commits deviant acts but fails to adopt a primary self-identity as a deviant.
Secondary Deviance
When one accepts the label of deviant. self-identity that confirms and stabilizes the deviant lifestyle.
Drift
A psychological state of weak normative attachment to either deviant or conventional ways.
Moral Rhetorics
Set of claims and assertions deviants make to justify their poor behaviour.
Moral Entrepreneurs
Groups of ordinary citizens and lawmakers. Define new rules/laws, advocate stricter laws.
Master Status
Status overriding all others in importance.
Career Contingency
Unintended event, process, situation that occurs by chance, beyond the control of the person pursuing the career. Comes from changes in environment or personal circumstances. Affects movement of career.
Continuance Commitment
Adhere to a criminal or other identity arising from the unattractiveness or unavailability of alternative lifestyles.
Self-Enhancing Commitments
Commitment to better opinion of oneself.
Self-Degrading Commitments
Commitment to a poorer opinion of oneself. ?
Criminal Identity
Similar to master status - imposed by community. Shapes social interaction with others.
Differential Association
Crime is learned in association with others. More likely to act as those you socialize with. Commit deviance because they learn to.
