Deviant Identity Symbolic Interaction & the “Self” 2 Main assumptions: –Self is social (developed in relation to others) –Self is not fixed (changes over time) Self Concept: composed of 3 elements 1.Identity 2.Image 3.Esteem

Deviant Identity Self Identity Social location (or status) relative to others Status is one’s position or social location within certain context/institution Remember that Status may be either: Ascribed Achieved Self identity is a composite of social statuses Are all statuses/social locations of equal importance to you, others or across different social audiences? Master Status (Hughes)

Deviant Identity Self Image Composed of characteristics or traits one possesses These qualities contribute to one’s ability to perform our social locations Self Esteem Evaluation/Judgment of self Determined by other people’s reactions People value different social locations & qualities

Deviant Identity What is the effect of being identified as a deviant in the composite formation of one’s self concept? Deviance must be understood as a social location/status relative to other people making judgments about that status. Labeling and the development of deviant identity

Labeling & Deviant Identity Labeling Theory of Deviance (Edwin Lemert; Becker, 1963 – Ch. 7) Focus on identity, self, & how language and social interaction affect your identity and self-conception “Under the table” events (deviant/criminal acts) are less consequential to self Negative Sanctioning (both formal and informal punishment) ceremonies are important status degradation events that confer STIGMA

Labeling & Deviant Identity Labeling is a theory of the Stigma Process & how stigmatization impacts the self Primary Deviance – Initial deviant act of status; It has no consequence to one’s self identity or concept Key element is the Social Audience – Reaction to primary behavior is paramount; It may encourage continuation of the labeling process or end the process Secondary Deviance – deviant status has been imposed as one’s social status

Labeling & Deviant Identity More on the Reaction of Social Audience –Reactions may Normalize or Deviantize –Deviantizing reactions result in successful conferral of criminal label, stigma & generally involve ostracism Secondary Deviance - When a person is caught and the label has been applied, s/he (re)organizes their personality (identity/sense of self) around this label and engages in further deviant acts

Labeling Theory: Basis for a Deviant Self- Concept Initial Deviant Act Detection by the Agents of Social Control Decision to Label Creation of a New Identity Acceptanc e of Labels DevianceAmplification