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GCSE Sociology Notes: Interactionism, Crime, and Deviance

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GCSE Sociology Notes: Interactionism, Crime, and Deviance
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FaeTheElder

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Interactionism and labelling theory are key concepts in critical and interactionist theories of criminology. This approach challenges traditional views on crime, focusing on how social interactions and labelling processes contribute to criminal behavior and societal perceptions of deviance. The theory emphasizes the subjective nature of crime and deviance, arguing that these concepts are socially constructed rather than objective facts.

Key points:

  • Interactionists argue that crime is a product of social interaction and labelling
  • Howard Becker's labelling theory is central to this perspective
  • The concept of moral entrepreneurs explains how rules are created and enforced
  • Primary and secondary deviance distinguish between unlabeled and publicly labeled acts
  • Deviance amplification and the creation of folk devils demonstrate the societal impact of labelling

11/21/2022

804

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Social Action Theory in Criminology

This page contrasts interactionist approaches with functionalism and Marxism in the study of crime and deviance. It highlights key aspects of the interactionist perspective on crime.

Key points:

  • Interactionists argue that most people have broken the law at some point
  • They are skeptical of official crime statistics, viewing them as social constructs
  • The focus is on how certain groups get labelled as criminals by those in power

Highlight: Interactionists challenge the reliability of official crime statistics, viewing them as social constructs rather than objective facts.

Example: An interactionist might argue that white-collar crime is underrepresented in official statistics due to the power dynamics in society.

This perspective offers a critical view of how crime is defined and measured in society, emphasizing the role of social interactions and power structures in shaping our understanding of criminal behavior.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Core Principles of Interactionism in Criminology

This page delves deeper into the fundamental principles of interactionism as applied to the study of crime and deviance. It outlines the key tenets of this theoretical approach.

Key points:

  • An act becomes criminal or deviant only when labelled as such by others
  • Interactionists reject the notion of objective facts in favor of socially constructed realities
  • Crime is viewed as a product of social interaction
  • The focus is on who gets labelled as a criminal and the effects of this labelling

Definition: In interactionist theory, crime is seen as a social construct rather than an objective reality.

Highlight: Interactionists are particularly interested in the process of labelling and its consequences on individuals and society.

This perspective challenges traditional notions of crime and deviance, emphasizing the role of social interactions and perceptions in defining what is considered criminal behavior.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Introduction to Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concept of labelling theory, a central component of the interactionist perspective on crime and deviance. Labelling theory focuses on how the labels applied to individuals influence their behavior and how society views them.

Definition: Labelling theory posits that people come to identify and behave in ways that reflect how others label them.

Example: A student repeatedly labelled as a "troublemaker" might internalize this label and act accordingly, even if their initial behavior was not significantly different from their peers.

Labelling theory is crucial for understanding the interactionist view of crime and provides a framework for analyzing how societal reactions to behavior can influence future actions of individuals.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Howard Becker's Contribution to Labelling Theory

This page focuses on Howard Becker's significant contributions to labelling theory, particularly in the context of deviance and crime. Becker's work is fundamental to understanding the interactionist theory of crime and deviance.

Key points:

  • Becker argues that deviance is "in the eye of the beholder"
  • Rules and laws are seen as mechanisms of social control
  • Deviance is created by social groups through the application of rules
  • The concept of moral panic is introduced as a way of creating "outsiders"

Quote: "Social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance and by applying those rules to particular people and labelling them as outsiders." - Howard Becker

Example: Becker uses the example of Muslims being labelled as terrorists to illustrate how labelling can be a mechanism of social control.

Becker's work highlights the subjective nature of deviance and the power dynamics involved in labelling certain groups or behaviors as deviant.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Becker's Example and the Effects of Labelling

This page elaborates on Howard Becker's use of Malinowski's study of a traditional Pacific island culture to illustrate the labelling theory. It also outlines the key effects of labelling according to Becker.

Key points:

  • Becker used Malinowski's study to show how labelling can lead to severe consequences
  • Breaking a rule doesn't necessarily lead to being labelled as deviant
  • Someone must enforce the rule or draw attention to it for labelling to occur
  • Once labelled, consequences follow for the individual

Example: In the Pacific island study, a person labelled as committing incest was made an outsider, ultimately leading to their suicide.

Highlight: Becker emphasizes that the act of labelling itself, rather than the initial behavior, often leads to more significant consequences.

This example and Becker's analysis demonstrate the power of labelling in shaping social reactions and individual outcomes, a key aspect of the interactionist view of crime.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Moral Entrepreneurs in Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concept of moral entrepreneurs, a key element in understanding how rules are created and enforced according to labelling theory. This concept is crucial for comprehending the social processes behind criminalization and deviance.

Key points:

  • Moral entrepreneurs lead moral crusades to change laws
  • Their actions create new groups of "outsiders" who break the law
  • This process expands social control agencies

Definition: Moral entrepreneurs are individuals or groups who campaign for the creation or enforcement of certain rules or norms in society.

Example: Anti-drug campaigners can be seen as moral entrepreneurs, pushing for stricter drug laws and enforcement.

The concept of moral entrepreneurs helps explain how certain behaviors come to be defined as criminal or deviant, contributing to our understanding of the social construction of crime.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

The Marijuana Tax Act: A Case Study in Moral Entrepreneurship

This page presents the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 as an example of moral entrepreneurship and its effects on law and social control. This case study illustrates the practical application of labelling theory concepts.

Key points:

  • The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 outlawed marijuana use in the USA
  • The official reason was to protect youth from its ill effects
  • Becker argues it was actually to expand FBI influence and control over drugs

Example: The criminalization of marijuana use created a new group of "outsiders" (marijuana users) and expanded the role of law enforcement agencies.

Highlight: This case demonstrates how moral entrepreneurship can lead to the creation of new laws and the expansion of social control mechanisms.

This example provides insight into the complex interplay between moral crusades, law-making, and the expansion of social control, key themes in interactionism and crime sociology.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Factors Influencing Labelling in Criminal Justice

This page summarizes key factors that influence the labelling process within the criminal justice system, based on the lessons' questions. It highlights the subjective and negotiable nature of justice according to the interactionist perspective.

Key points:

  • Labelling depends on interactions, appearance, and the situation of the person
  • Arrest decisions are influenced by ethnicity, gender, and circumstances
  • Police stereotypes play a role in labelling
  • Justice is more negotiable for the middle class compared to the working class
  • Police have certain "typifications" they focus on, ignoring unreported crimes

Highlight: The interactionist perspective emphasizes that justice is not fixed but negotiable, influenced by various social factors.

Example: A middle-class individual might be more likely to negotiate a favorable outcome in a minor offense compared to a working-class individual, due to perceived social status and resources.

This summary underscores the subjective nature of criminal justice processes from an interactionist viewpoint, challenging notions of objective law enforcement.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Primary and Secondary Deviance in Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concepts of primary and secondary deviance, which are crucial for understanding the process and consequences of labelling in the context of crime and deviance.

Definition: Primary deviance refers to a deviant act that doesn't get publicly labelled.

Definition: Secondary deviance is the process of being publicly labelled by society, often leading to the individual becoming a 'folk devil'.

Example: A teenager shoplifting once without getting caught might be considered primary deviance, while being arrested and labelled as a "juvenile delinquent" would be secondary deviance.

These concepts are essential in interactionism crime and deviance studies, as they help explain how labelling can escalate deviant behavior and shape an individual's identity.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

View

Deviance Amplification in Criminology

This page explores the concept of deviance amplification, a key process in understanding how attempts to control deviance can paradoxically lead to its increase. This concept is crucial in critical and interactionist theories of criminology.

Key points:

  • Deviance amplification occurs when attempts to control deviance lead to more deviance
  • Jock Young's study "The Drugtakers" is used as an example
  • Media involvement can put pressure on law enforcement, potentially escalating the situation
  • This process can create the appearance of a "crime wave" in statistics

Example: In Young's study, media attention to hippie drug use led to increased police action, which in turn caused the hippies to intensify their drug-taking behavior.

Highlight: Deviance amplification demonstrates how social reactions to deviance, particularly through media and law enforcement, can inadvertently increase the very behavior they aim to suppress.

This concept is crucial for understanding the unintended consequences of social control efforts and the complex dynamics of deviance in society.

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Subjects

/

Sociology

/

Deviance and Social Control

/

Deviance

/

Theories of Deviance

GCSE Sociology Notes: Interactionism, Crime, and Deviance

user profile picture

FaeTheElder

@faetheelder_58

·

9 Followers

Follow

Interactionism and labelling theory are key concepts in critical and interactionist theories of criminology. This approach challenges traditional views on crime, focusing on how social interactions and labelling processes contribute to criminal behavior and societal perceptions of deviance. The theory emphasizes the subjective nature of crime and deviance, arguing that these concepts are socially constructed rather than objective facts.

Key points:

  • Interactionists argue that crime is a product of social interaction and labelling
  • Howard Becker's labelling theory is central to this perspective
  • The concept of moral entrepreneurs explains how rules are created and enforced
  • Primary and secondary deviance distinguish between unlabeled and publicly labeled acts
  • Deviance amplification and the creation of folk devils demonstrate the societal impact of labelling

11/21/2022

804

 

13

 

Sociology

26

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Social Action Theory in Criminology

This page contrasts interactionist approaches with functionalism and Marxism in the study of crime and deviance. It highlights key aspects of the interactionist perspective on crime.

Key points:

  • Interactionists argue that most people have broken the law at some point
  • They are skeptical of official crime statistics, viewing them as social constructs
  • The focus is on how certain groups get labelled as criminals by those in power

Highlight: Interactionists challenge the reliability of official crime statistics, viewing them as social constructs rather than objective facts.

Example: An interactionist might argue that white-collar crime is underrepresented in official statistics due to the power dynamics in society.

This perspective offers a critical view of how crime is defined and measured in society, emphasizing the role of social interactions and power structures in shaping our understanding of criminal behavior.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Core Principles of Interactionism in Criminology

This page delves deeper into the fundamental principles of interactionism as applied to the study of crime and deviance. It outlines the key tenets of this theoretical approach.

Key points:

  • An act becomes criminal or deviant only when labelled as such by others
  • Interactionists reject the notion of objective facts in favor of socially constructed realities
  • Crime is viewed as a product of social interaction
  • The focus is on who gets labelled as a criminal and the effects of this labelling

Definition: In interactionist theory, crime is seen as a social construct rather than an objective reality.

Highlight: Interactionists are particularly interested in the process of labelling and its consequences on individuals and society.

This perspective challenges traditional notions of crime and deviance, emphasizing the role of social interactions and perceptions in defining what is considered criminal behavior.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Introduction to Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concept of labelling theory, a central component of the interactionist perspective on crime and deviance. Labelling theory focuses on how the labels applied to individuals influence their behavior and how society views them.

Definition: Labelling theory posits that people come to identify and behave in ways that reflect how others label them.

Example: A student repeatedly labelled as a "troublemaker" might internalize this label and act accordingly, even if their initial behavior was not significantly different from their peers.

Labelling theory is crucial for understanding the interactionist view of crime and provides a framework for analyzing how societal reactions to behavior can influence future actions of individuals.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Howard Becker's Contribution to Labelling Theory

This page focuses on Howard Becker's significant contributions to labelling theory, particularly in the context of deviance and crime. Becker's work is fundamental to understanding the interactionist theory of crime and deviance.

Key points:

  • Becker argues that deviance is "in the eye of the beholder"
  • Rules and laws are seen as mechanisms of social control
  • Deviance is created by social groups through the application of rules
  • The concept of moral panic is introduced as a way of creating "outsiders"

Quote: "Social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance and by applying those rules to particular people and labelling them as outsiders." - Howard Becker

Example: Becker uses the example of Muslims being labelled as terrorists to illustrate how labelling can be a mechanism of social control.

Becker's work highlights the subjective nature of deviance and the power dynamics involved in labelling certain groups or behaviors as deviant.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Becker's Example and the Effects of Labelling

This page elaborates on Howard Becker's use of Malinowski's study of a traditional Pacific island culture to illustrate the labelling theory. It also outlines the key effects of labelling according to Becker.

Key points:

  • Becker used Malinowski's study to show how labelling can lead to severe consequences
  • Breaking a rule doesn't necessarily lead to being labelled as deviant
  • Someone must enforce the rule or draw attention to it for labelling to occur
  • Once labelled, consequences follow for the individual

Example: In the Pacific island study, a person labelled as committing incest was made an outsider, ultimately leading to their suicide.

Highlight: Becker emphasizes that the act of labelling itself, rather than the initial behavior, often leads to more significant consequences.

This example and Becker's analysis demonstrate the power of labelling in shaping social reactions and individual outcomes, a key aspect of the interactionist view of crime.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Moral Entrepreneurs in Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concept of moral entrepreneurs, a key element in understanding how rules are created and enforced according to labelling theory. This concept is crucial for comprehending the social processes behind criminalization and deviance.

Key points:

  • Moral entrepreneurs lead moral crusades to change laws
  • Their actions create new groups of "outsiders" who break the law
  • This process expands social control agencies

Definition: Moral entrepreneurs are individuals or groups who campaign for the creation or enforcement of certain rules or norms in society.

Example: Anti-drug campaigners can be seen as moral entrepreneurs, pushing for stricter drug laws and enforcement.

The concept of moral entrepreneurs helps explain how certain behaviors come to be defined as criminal or deviant, contributing to our understanding of the social construction of crime.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Marijuana Tax Act: A Case Study in Moral Entrepreneurship

This page presents the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 as an example of moral entrepreneurship and its effects on law and social control. This case study illustrates the practical application of labelling theory concepts.

Key points:

  • The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 outlawed marijuana use in the USA
  • The official reason was to protect youth from its ill effects
  • Becker argues it was actually to expand FBI influence and control over drugs

Example: The criminalization of marijuana use created a new group of "outsiders" (marijuana users) and expanded the role of law enforcement agencies.

Highlight: This case demonstrates how moral entrepreneurship can lead to the creation of new laws and the expansion of social control mechanisms.

This example provides insight into the complex interplay between moral crusades, law-making, and the expansion of social control, key themes in interactionism and crime sociology.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Factors Influencing Labelling in Criminal Justice

This page summarizes key factors that influence the labelling process within the criminal justice system, based on the lessons' questions. It highlights the subjective and negotiable nature of justice according to the interactionist perspective.

Key points:

  • Labelling depends on interactions, appearance, and the situation of the person
  • Arrest decisions are influenced by ethnicity, gender, and circumstances
  • Police stereotypes play a role in labelling
  • Justice is more negotiable for the middle class compared to the working class
  • Police have certain "typifications" they focus on, ignoring unreported crimes

Highlight: The interactionist perspective emphasizes that justice is not fixed but negotiable, influenced by various social factors.

Example: A middle-class individual might be more likely to negotiate a favorable outcome in a minor offense compared to a working-class individual, due to perceived social status and resources.

This summary underscores the subjective nature of criminal justice processes from an interactionist viewpoint, challenging notions of objective law enforcement.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Primary and Secondary Deviance in Labelling Theory

This page introduces the concepts of primary and secondary deviance, which are crucial for understanding the process and consequences of labelling in the context of crime and deviance.

Definition: Primary deviance refers to a deviant act that doesn't get publicly labelled.

Definition: Secondary deviance is the process of being publicly labelled by society, often leading to the individual becoming a 'folk devil'.

Example: A teenager shoplifting once without getting caught might be considered primary deviance, while being arrested and labelled as a "juvenile delinquent" would be secondary deviance.

These concepts are essential in interactionism crime and deviance studies, as they help explain how labelling can escalate deviant behavior and shape an individual's identity.

Interactionism and Labelling Theory 08/11/22 - Sociology Social Action Theory Compared to Functionalism and Marxism, they argue how most of

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Deviance Amplification in Criminology

This page explores the concept of deviance amplification, a key process in understanding how attempts to control deviance can paradoxically lead to its increase. This concept is crucial in critical and interactionist theories of criminology.

Key points:

  • Deviance amplification occurs when attempts to control deviance lead to more deviance
  • Jock Young's study "The Drugtakers" is used as an example
  • Media involvement can put pressure on law enforcement, potentially escalating the situation
  • This process can create the appearance of a "crime wave" in statistics

Example: In Young's study, media attention to hippie drug use led to increased police action, which in turn caused the hippies to intensify their drug-taking behavior.

Highlight: Deviance amplification demonstrates how social reactions to deviance, particularly through media and law enforcement, can inadvertently increase the very behavior they aim to suppress.

This concept is crucial for understanding the unintended consequences of social control efforts and the complex dynamics of deviance in society.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

15 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 12 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying