Social Reaction Theories: Labeling and Conflict

Deviance and crime are not objective entities created by socialization or behavior of the individual. They are created by society.

• Something is criminal, because some people who share an interest made it illegal.
• Someone is criminal, because he is identified as such.
  

Labeling

Labeling: assign a (different) identity to a person

Figurative: if we stamp someone as deviant, we put a warning label on her.

Example: A child that shows deviant behavior might be labeled a brat.

Primary deviation: If the person is labeled, but does not accept this label.

Secondary Deviation: If people accept the new identity.

The principles of the Symbolic Interactionist (SI) framework that builds the background of labeling theory:

1. Meaning: People act on the basis of their meaning.

2. Interaction: Meaning emerges in the interaction with others.

3. Interpretation: Meaning is not fixed and stable, but is modified by interpretation.

Labeling theory

• Importance of power
• Instrumental labeling
• Primary deviation: receiving the label
• Secondary deviation: accepting the label and seeing oneself as deviant
• Self fulfilling prophecy

DETERRENT

• keep records confidential => what is the current tendency in juvenile delinquency? 
• Radical nonintervention: Since existing methods are not able to reduce the recidivism rate, we might be better off to let minor offenders go with a non stigmatizing slap on the wrist.

Social Conflict Theory

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Conflict Theory: Karl Marx

Surplus value (Profit):  True value - cost of subsistence

Cost of subsistence

True value

All conflict is about the distribution of the surplus value

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Conflict Perspective

ó control theories (capital T):

· We know what is right and wrong

· This is reflected in the law

· All what we have to do is to ensure people are following the law

· Law enforcement and detention is unbiased

=> compatible with aspects of cultural theories (small t)

· Values of the middle class are enforced

· Values of Minorities and members of the lower classes are suppressed

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General Conflict Perspective

Middle and upper classes want to preserve their power.

They do that by

1.    imposing their moral values

2.    putting other people in economic disadvantage

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