Subjectivist Approaches Flashcards
What does subjective mean?
There are no objedctive moral truths. Limits knowledge to individual experience
What is symbolic interactionist theory?
Based on the work by Mead. It centers on his individuals create meaning through social interactions, particularly through symbols.
What is the concept of symbols?
Signs that stand for something else. They are used in communication to create meaning. For example, a handshake is not just a physical action but represents a greeting.
What is the self?
Our common sense develops based on how others react to us.
What is the I
The spontaneous impulsive part of the self
What is the me
The socialized aspect of the self, reflecting internalized societal norms
What is the generalized other
Our understanding of how society views our actions.
What is Labelling theory.
The theory developed by Becker. Our behaviour comes from our sense of identity. If you are labelled as something you are more likely to behave that way
What is primary and secondary deviance?
A theory by Lemert. Primary deviance is when the individual engages in deviant behaviours, but they do not see themself as deviant, and they do not internalize the deviant label
Secondary deviant is when the individual internalizes the deviant label as a result of societal actions.
What is a Deviant career?
An idea discussed by Becker. This is when someone takes up a life long career in deviance.
What is Actual and Virtual Identity?
A theory developed by Goffman. Actual identity represents and individuals true self. Virtual identity is a carefully crafted image that an individual presents to others.
What can social policy do to help deviance?
Promote positive social interaction
educate the public
challenge discriminatory practices
focus on rehabilitation
What is group conflict?
An inevitable consequence of social group formation. Humans naturally form groups, these groups will inevitably clash.
What is culture conflict?
An idea talked about by Sellin. A specific type of group conflict arising from clashes between different social groups
What does Quinney say about the social reality of crime?
Crime is a product of social processes and power dynamics, reflecting the interests of dominant groups in society. Criminality is determined by those who have the authority to create and enforce those rules.
The idea of a criminal is a social construct.
