Labeling Theory and Conflict/Marxist/Radical Theories of Crime

Flashcards covering key concepts from the chapter on labeling theory and conflict theories of crime.

Labeling Theory

A theory that suggests offending increases due to stigmatization and societal labels.

Stigmatization

The process of being marked with a negative label that influences perception and behavior.

Dramatization of Evil

A concept by Frank Tannenbaum that describes the shift from viewing specific acts as evil to viewing individuals as evil based on minor law violations.

Primary Deviance

•Minor crime done before being labeled

Secondary Deviance

•Serious crime done after being labeled.

Ascribed Status

A social position assigned to individuals that is not influenced by their actions.

Criminal Definition

A definition of criminal behavior that serves the interests of those in powerful positions.

Retrospective Interpretation

The process of reinterpreting past behaviors in light of new identities or labels.

Peacemaking Criminology

An approach that incorporates religious and feminist perspectives, focusing on crime and social harms.

Restorative Justice

An approach to justice emphasizing the repair of relationships and consensus of values rather than punishment.

Marxist Criminology

A perspective that views crime through the lens of class struggles between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Deviance Amplification

The phenomenon where labeling leads to increased deviant behavior due to societal reactions.

total situation

Objective factors and subjective definitions

Looking-Glass self

Obtaining self-image through other’s eyes.

Mead’s concern

Interpretation and definition of symbolic interaction.

Edwin M. Lemert

Primary and Secondary Deviance

Howard S. Becker

The Dimensions of Deviance

Outsider

Considered deviant by others.

First dimension of Deviance

only those who are considered deviant by others are truly deviant

Second dimension of deviance

and if someone is considered deviant for breaking a rule

Deviance is labeled as

Certain groups having the power to impose rules and subsequently labels on others

Pure deviant

Disobeys rules

Secret deviant

•Violates the rules of society but elicits no reaction from society.

Falsely accused

•Disobeys rules but does not violate the rules.

Labeling process

Stereotyping, Retrospective interpretation, Status degradation Ceremony, Negotiation

Basic assumptions of labeling theory 1

Not act is intrinsically criminal, Behavior becomes criminal when it is defined as such – some things that were once illegal are no longer vise versa

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 2

Criminal definition

Criminal definition

In interest of powerful

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 3

Person does not become criminal by violating the law - they become criminal when they are defined as a criminal

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 4

Dichotomizing individuals

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 5

Only a few are caught violating the law

Stereotype

Criminal is a pariah

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 6

Penalties vary according to the characteristics of the offender

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 7

Characteristics of the offender determines penalties and criminal sanctions

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 8

Sterotype

Basic Assumptions of Labeling Theory 9

Public condemnation and labeling: offenders image of himself

Central focus:

Deviance amplification due to labeling

Research on labeling theory

Employee’s criminal court record effect on the reactions of potential employers

Research on labeling theory

Influence of insanity on behavior and perceptions of hospital staff