Soc 224 Lecture 4

interpretive and critical theories

focus on broad social perceptions and reactions (influenced by power) of the act.

symbolic interactionism
labelling
deviant career

interpretive theories

conflict
power-reflexive
feminist
postmodern

critical theories

interpretive theories

emphasize social interaction and the meanings and understandings of deviance and normalness.

active “I”

the you at your core, independent of particular situations.

receptive “me”

the you composed by messages from others (sister, daughter, etc).

symbolic interactionism

society is created through social interaction and symbolic communication.

labelling theory

the process and consequences of labels.

tagging

identifying a specific act as evil.

primary deviance

occasional rule breaking.

secondary deviance

deviant lifestyle and identity.

tertiary deviance

protestation of labels.

master status

how others identify you.

dramaturgy

life is a stage where we take different roles (front stage and back stage selves).

spoiled identity

no matter what we do, others will still perceive us as deviant.

impression management

response to spoiled identity.

sign vehicles

the mechanisms we use to present ourselves to others.

career contingencies

turning points in a deviant career.