Interactionism Theories

• Labelling Theory:

  • Interactionists see our interactions with one another based on meanings and labels
  • Labelling theory says no act is deviant in itself
  • Things are labelled as deviant by others for example cannabis
• Differential Law Enforcement:

  • Interactionists argue that formal agencies such as police label certain people or groups as criminal- typifications
  • Piliavin and Briar found that police decisions to arrest were based on stereotypical ideas about what a criminal is
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy:

  • Edwin Lemert argues that labelling theory causes crime and deviance
  • By society labelling someone or a group as deviant they are encouraged to become more deviant to fir the label.
  • As a result, the offender may be rejected by society and forced into the company of other criminals which leads to finding a sense of belonging.