Social Action Theory

AI generated definitions

Typifications

Stereotypical views held by the Criminal Justice System (CJS) regarding the criminality of specific groups.

Verstehen

Gaining insight by understanding what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes.

Master Status

As a result of public labeling, everything that a person has done is then interpreted through their deviant label.

Symbolic Interactionism

Focuses on the meanings people use to interpret, define, and make sense of the world.

Impression Management

We put on an act when we're out there in the social world.

Disenchantment

Removal of the spiritual intervention in everyday life.

Ascetic Lifestyle

Refers to abstinence, self-discipline, and self-denial.

Deviance Amplification

When the actions of the rule enforcers or media in response to deviance bring about an increase in this deviance.

Front Stage Behaviour

Social actors try to manipulate the impression other people have of them.

Moral Panic

The view that refers to outrage stirred up by the media about a certain group or issue.

Social Construct

Ideas, beliefs, and laws that are products of the society in which we live, not an objective reality.

Looking Glass Self

Suggests that an individual's identity or sense of self is created by interactions with other people.

Rationalisation

A process in which scientific explanations have replaced religious ones.

Backstage Behaviour

Valid behaviour that is not manipulated to give a false impression.

Rapport

To form a relationship with a participant and increase the validity of data.

Protestant Work Ethic

The belief that idleness is a sin and God favours those who work hard.

Self Refuting Prophecy

A criticism of social action theory, the idea that individuals can reject their labels.

Deviant Career

Once a person has been labelled as deviant by society, they resort to more deviant behaviour due to being rejected by mainstream society.

Self Fulfilling Prophecy

A prediction or label given to someone that makes itself become true.