Sociology Chapter 7 Section 3: Symbolic Interactionism and deviance

Differential Association Theory According to symbolic interactionism, deviance is transmitted through socialization in the same way that nondeviant behavior is learned.

How is deviance learned? Differential association theory emphasizes the role of primary groups in transmitting deviance. The more that individuals are exposed to people who break the law, the more apt they are to become criminals.

Three characteristics affect differential association: The ratio of deviant to nondeviant individuals. Whether the deviant behavior is practiced by significant others. The age of exposure.

Labeling Theory Labeling theory explains why deviance is relative- that is, sometimes of two people breaking the norm only one may be labeled a deviant.

Is deviance defined by the act or by the individual? Deviance exists when some members of a group or society label others as deviants.

Labeling theory allows us to understand the relativity of deviance. It explains why unmarried pregnant teenage girls are more negatively sanctioned than the teenage biological fathers. Traditionally, society expects females to set the boundaries.

Labeling theory also explains why a middle-class youth who steals a car may go unpunished for “borrowing” the vehicle whereas a lower-class youth goes to court for stealing.

Are there degrees of deviance? In the case of primary deviance, a person engages only in isolated acts of deviance. When college students are asked to respond to a checklist of unlawful activates, most admit to having violated one or more norms. Yet the vast majority of college students have never been arrested. If their deviance stops at this point, they have engaged in primary deviance.

Secondary deviance refers to deviance as a lifestyle and as a personal identity. Their life is organized around deviance.

What are the consequences of labeling? Labeling people as deviants can cause them pain and suffering, as well as determine the direction of their lives.

Stigma- an undesirable characteristic or label used by others to deny the deviant full social acceptance. Example: Ex-convicts People with a disability Unemployed people