1. Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance
Sociology: Chapter 7, Section 3

2. Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance
According to symbolic interactionism, deviance is transmitted through socialization in the same way that non-deviant behavior is learned
Delinquent behavior can be taught through play groups and gangs
Two theories regarding this are based on symbolic interactionism: the differential association theory and the labeling theory

3. Differential Association Theory
Just as we learn preferences in religion and politics from influential people in our lives, we can also learn deviance from them
Differential association theory states that individuals learn deviance in proportion to the number of deviant acts they are exposed to
Three characteristics affect differential association:
1. The ratio of deviant to nondeviant individuals:
A person who knows mostly deviants is more likely to learn deviant behavior
2. Whether the deviant behavior is practiced by significant others:
A person is more likely to copy deviant behavior from significant others than from less important people
3. The age of exposure:
Younger children learn deviant behavior more quickly than older children

4. Differential association theory states that our life’s choices are definitely affected by the friends we choose

5. Labeling Theory
Labeling theory explains that deviance is relative– while two people may break the same norm, only one may be considered to be deviant
Labeling theory explains that unmarried pregnant teenage girls are more negatively sanctioned than teenage biological fathers
Deviancy is relative to time as well, as societal reaction to teenage pregnancy has become much less severe recently
See video: “Perspectives on Deviance: Differential Association, Labeling Theory, and Strain Theory” at

6. Primary and Secondary Deviance
In primary deviance, a person only occasionally acts in a deviant way, and does not consider him/herself to be deviant
Most college students admit to breaking some norms, but the vast majority have never been arrested
If somebody breaks the law for the first time, they don’t consider themselves to be criminals
Secondary deviance, on the other hand, refers to deviance as a lifestyle and as a personal identity
The deviant status is the person’s master status

7. Primary and Secondary Deviance
In primary deviance, the deviance may be minor and doesn’t define who you are
In secondary deviance, your deviance becomes your master status

8. Consequences of Labeling
Labeling people as deviant can cause them pain, as well as determine the direction of their lives
People may receive a stigma– an undesirable label used to deny the deviant full social acceptance
An ex-convict may receive a stigmatic label of jailbird and that would discredit the person’s entire worth
Other stigmas may be attached to someone who is unemployed, or who is mentally challenged

9. People may struggle to see beyond the stigma

10. Assessment
Complete #1-6 on page 217