Labeling Deviance Symbolic-Interaction Analysis

Labeling Theory Deviance and conformity result not so much from what people do as from how others respond to those actions. Deviance and conformity result not so much from what people do as from how others respond to those actions. Stresses the relativity of deviance, the idea that people may define the same behavior in any number of ways. Stresses the relativity of deviance, the idea that people may define the same behavior in any number of ways.

Primary and Secondary Deviance Primary provoke slight reaction from others and have little effect on a person’s self concept Primary provoke slight reaction from others and have little effect on a person’s self concept Secondary deviance by which a person repeatedly violates a norm and begins to take on a deviant identity. Secondary deviance by which a person repeatedly violates a norm and begins to take on a deviant identity. Stigma: a powerful negative label that greatly changes a person’s self concept and social identity. Stigma: a powerful negative label that greatly changes a person’s self concept and social identity.

Labeling difference as deviance Homeless man – legal, but mentally ill, can be put in institution. Homeless man – legal, but mentally ill, can be put in institution.

Medicalization of Deviance The transformation of moral and legal deviance into a medical condition The transformation of moral and legal deviance into a medical condition Old – alcoholic – weak character Old – alcoholic – weak character New – alcoholic – disease New – alcoholic – disease Obesity, drug addiction, child abuse, sexual promiscuity. Obesity, drug addiction, child abuse, sexual promiscuity.

Deviance and Inequality Social Conflict Analysis

Deviance and Power The who or what is labeled as deviance depends on which categories of people have power. The who or what is labeled as deviance depends on which categories of people have power. White collar crime – Crime committed by people of high social position in the course of their occupations. White collar crime – Crime committed by people of high social position in the course of their occupations. Bank embezzlement, business fraud, bribery. Bank embezzlement, business fraud, bribery. Civil hearing rather than criminal courtroom. Civil hearing rather than criminal courtroom. Civil law regulates business dealings between private parties, while criminal law defines a person’s moral responsibilities to society. Civil law regulates business dealings between private parties, while criminal law defines a person’s moral responsibilities to society.

Corporate Crime The illegal actions of a corporation or people acting on its behalf. Organized Crime A business supplying illegal goods or services.