Labelling Theories of Crime and Deviance

What is social construction?

Social phenomena are created by society, not naturally occurring through evolution.

What are features of relativity of crime and deviance according to Becker?

• Context

• Historical period

• Culture

• Generation

What is an example of contextual relativity of crime and deviance?

Nudity varies; acceptability depends on the situation

What is an example of historical relativity of crime and deviance?

Homosexuality and opium use have varied in acceptance over time.

What is an example of cultural relativity of crime and deviance?

Drinking alcohol has different acceptance levels in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

What is an example of generational relativity of crime and deviance?

Ideas of what is normal change between age groups.

What are moral entrepreneurs?

Individuals who decide what is morally acceptable within society.

What are examples of moral entrepreneurs?

• Ruling Class

• Governments

• Lawmakers

Who is the thinker of the labelling process and types of deviance?

Lemert

What are the types of deviance?

• Primary Deviance

• Secondary Deviance

What is primary deviance?

A person commits a deviant/criminal act that is unknown to others, so no label is attached.

What is secondary deviance?

The deviant act is witnessed, and a label is attached to the person committing the act.

What did Cicourel say about labelling?

• Labelling leads to selective law enforcement and negotiation of justice.

• When a group is labelled as deviant/criminal, the police are likely to focus on that group, reinforcing the stereotype.

• Typifications: Common sense theories and stereotypes of what is a “typical criminal”.

What are the types of agencies of social control?

• Formal

• Informal

What are formal agencies of social control?

• Police

• Criminal Justice System

• Courts

What are informal agencies of social control?

• Peers

• Society

What are consequences of labelling?

• Self-fulfilling prophecy

• Deviancy amplification

• Master status

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?

Once labelled as deviant, a person internalises the label and acts accordingly.

What is deviancy amplification?

Attempts to control deviance lead to greater amounts of that deviance.

What are examples of deviancy of amplification?

• Stan Cohen’s Mods and Rockers

• Jock Young’s study of cannabis smokers in Notting Hill

What is master status?

• The individual is identified by a particular aspect, like being a criminal.

• This can lead to a deviant or criminal career as the label prevents access to legitimate means of achieving social goals.

What are strengths of labelling theory?

• Emphasises the social construction of crime and deviance.

• Identifies the role of the powerful in defining crime and deviance.

• Shows how deviant careers can be established.

What are limitations of labelling theory?

• The deviant becomes the victim and is not to blame for the behaviour.

• Deterministic (assumes labelling inevitably leads to deviance).

• Doesn’t explain why people commit the original act of deviance.

• Doesn't explain where stereotypes come from.