Interactionist

• Crime is socially constructed- Becker-

  An act which harms someone only becomes criminal if those in power label that act as criminal
• Primary deviance- Lemert-

  -labelling theory suggests that everyone commits deviant acts but not everyone is labelled as deviant.

  -primary deviance refers to the initial act of rule-breaking that may not lead to a label
• Secondary deviance- Lemert-

  -occurs when an individuals self concept and behaviour are influenced by the societal reaction to their deviant act.

  -this process can lead to a deviant career where the individual becomes more deeply involved in deviant behaviour
• Labelling and self fulfilling prophecy-

  -social reactions to deviant behaviour play a crucial role in the creation of deviance

  -when labelled as deviant, the individual may internalise this label, leading to a self fulfilling prophecy where they engage in more deviant behaviour
• The master label and stigmatisation- Becker-

  -labelling theory highlights how being labelled as deviant can result in stigmatisation and exclusion from mainstream society

  -this is when the label influences your behaviour and is known as the master status
• Moral panic and deviancy amplification-

  The media plays a crucial role in labelling certain groups as deviant, creating a moral panic which can escalate the deviant behaviour
• Social policy implications- Brathwaite-

  -Labelling theory suggests to reduce cirme we should focus on avoiding the stigmatisation of individuals and address the societal reactions that contribute to the perpetuation of deviant behaviour

  -this is known as reintegrative shaming when the perpetrator is detached from the crime they committed to help them reform
• Positive evaluations-

  -highlights how definitions of deviance vary and that it is a complex process

  -highlights how attempts to control deviance can backfire

  -draws attention to consequences of labelling
• Negative evaluations-

  -doesn't explain why people commit crime in the first place

  -left realists- argue that labelling is guilty for over romanticising deviant groups, neglecting victims and blaming the agents of social control.

  -assumes offenders are passive and doesn't recognise the element of personal choice when committing crimes

  -deterministic- not everyone accepts their labels