6 - Interactionism & the Media

Interactionism

Society is the product of human interactions and the meanings that individuals place on them

Social Constructionism

Social reality (norms, meanings, identities, etc) is created through human interactions, language, and cultural processes rather than being natural or biologically determined

Primary Deviance

Labelling Theory Stage 1: a young person commits an act of deviant behaviour

Secondary Deviance

Labelling Theory Stage 2: the young person is caught by the police or another moral entrepreneur

Labelling Theory

Crime, deviant behaviour, or educational failure is not an inherent act, but defined by social reactions

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

A prediction or expectation (label) that is initially false or based on stereotypes causing itself to come true through the behaviour it inspires

Master Status

When a label overrules other labels or identities and becomes the main identity or thing an individual has/is seen as

Moral Entrepreneurs

Individuals, groups, or organisations that seek to influence society to adopt or maintain new social norms and laws

Societal Reaction

The responses of formal and informal agencies of social control to a particular behaviour, act, or group

Deviancy Amplification

Social reactions (particularly media hype and policing) can increase, rather than decrease, deviant behaviour

Negotiation of Label

How ‘deviant’ or ‘criminal’ labels are not automatically applied, but negotiated through interactions between individuals and social control agencies

Folk Devils

Those whose behaviour is considered a threat to social order

Moral Panic

An exaggerated, sensationalised media reaction to a perceived threat, often involving a specific group (folk devils) who are seen as violating social norms