Topic 12 - Interactionist views of crime: :How people interact with each other

Question 1

Interactionism?

Answer 1

Interactionism, based on Mead’s ideas, suggests individuals shape their behavior based on how they believe others perceive them. In crime and deviance, actions are judged by societal reactions. Some deviance is unintentional, like disability, while other behaviors face disapproval, leading to stigma. Fear of stigma influences behavior, and those labeled as deviant internalize this identity—a concept known as labelling theory.

Question 2

Interactionism + social conditions

Answer 2

Interactionism gained influence in the 1970s, rejecting functionalist views of crime. It argues that actions are not inherently criminal but are defined by social context. For example, cannibalism was once seen as respectful in some cultures but is now widely condemned. Social factors like place, situation, culture, history, and identity determine whether an act is considered deviant.

Question 3

Goffman + unintentional deviance?

Answer 3

Interactionism gained influence in the 1970s, rejecting functionalist views of crime. It argues that actions are not inherently criminal but are defined by social context. For example, cannibalism was once seen as respectful in some cultures but is now widely condemned. Social factors like place, situation, culture, history, and identity determine whether an act is considered deviant.

Question 4

Lemert : primary and secondary deviance

Answer 4

Lemert (1950s) identified two types of deviance. Primary deviance is the act itself (e.g., drug use), while secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalize a deviant label, shaping their identity. This can lead to social rejection, reinforcing their deviant status. Feeling excluded, they may join subcultures that accept their behavior.

Question 5

Becker: labelling and master status

Answer 5

Becker (1963) argued that labeling shapes identity. Once labeled as deviant (e.g., a cannabis smoker), this master status defines how others perceive and treat them. Rosenhan’s study showed that even normal behavior could be misinterpreted due to labeling. Those with a deviant label may internalize it, join subcultures, and learn criminal behavior from peers. Becker found that marijuana smokers learned drug use from musicians but quit when they changed social circles.

Question 6

The deviant career?

Answer 6

Becker described the deviant career, where individuals accept a stigmatized identity. Coombes (1974) found that social rejection and rewards pushed male prostitutes into this lifestyle. Box (1981) identified four reasons ex-convicts remain offenders: loss of social skills, discrimination, job rejection, and police harassment. Braithwaite (1989) argued that crime prevention should focus on criticizing actions, not individuals, to encourage change.

Question 8

Wilkins and the deviancy amplification spiral

Answer 8

Wilkins (1964) built on Lemert’s work, arguing that media plays a key role in creating crime through a wider social process. This idea was later expanded by Stan Cohen in his study of folk devils and moral panics.

Question 9

Assessments of interactional theories?

Answer 9

Interactionism’s strength lies in its recognition that criminality is shaped by social interactions, not just individual actions. It critiques official statistics as biased social constructs. However, New Left Realists (Lea and Young, 1986) argue it overlooks crime patterns among certain groups, like youth and the working class. Interactionism doesn’t explain why the first crime occurs or why some are more likely to be labeled deviant. Hirschi (1975) critiqued it for missing other factors like age. Marxists argue it ignores power dynamics in labeling, and Liazos (1972) criticized it for focusing on certain deviant behaviors while neglecting crimes of the wealthy.