Chapter 3 Constructionist Theories. Introduction Constructionist theories of deviance are less...

Chapter 3

Constructionist Theories

Introduction

• Constructionist theories of deviance are less interested in causes –And concentrate on the meanings of

deviance • How people behave in keeping with those meanings

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Labeling Theory

• A version of symbolic interactionism; emphasizes importance of labeling

• Two central ideas:

– Deviance involves interaction between deviant and conventional people

– Interaction between the deviant and the conformists is governed by:

• The meanings that they impute (assign) to each other's actions and reactions


Labeling Theory

Causes of deviant behavior are not important; only the labels are important•Labelers represent: law and order (police, judges, prison officials, etc.)

– And conventional morality; power (generally are rich and white);

– And have the ability to avoid negative labels despite engaging in deviant behavior


Labeling Theory

• Deviance labels produce negative consequences for those receiving label:• Tendency to see themselves as deviant,

which leads to continued deviant behavior


Labeling Theory

Lemert:

– Primary (initial act of deviance that occurs before a deviance label is applied/accepted)

• Vs. secondary deviation - deviance that results from deviance labels being applied and internalized by the social actor


Labeling Theory

Erikson: deviance creates positive consequences for the:

– Community, group, or individuals that apply the label

– The most important being preservation and strengthening of social cohesion and social order.


8

Labeling Theory

How did Howard Becker apply labeling theoryto the use of marijuana?

How does one become a marijuana user?

Labeling Theory

• Criticism of labeling theory:

– can’t explain causes of deviance

– deviant label does NOT encourage further deviance

– underestimates role of powerful


Phenomenological Theory

• Delves into people's subjectivity, including: – Consciousness, perceptions, attitudes,

feelings, and opinions about deviance

• Critical of positivists – deviance based on their (the positivist’s) own: – Preconceived notions of morality and

understanding of deviance



• Positivists: – Humans are passive objects whose behavior

is determined by forces beyond their control

• Phenomenologists: – People are active subjects capable of

intending and carrying out their own behavior



• Positivists: objective view, based on abstract meanings

• Phenomenologists: – Study situated meanings and the subject's

interpretation of their own behavior



Use of ethnography (applied phenomenology) –How deviants see and feel about themselves–Garfinkle: study of sex change patients–Katz: study of murders/robbers

• Criticism of phenomenologists:–Failure to develop a practical way to understand deviance–Influenced by own beliefs, judgments, ideas


Conflict Theory

• Modern society is pluralistic, diverse, and full of conflicts

• Social conflict: incompatible interests, needs, and desires of diverse groups

• Cultural conflict: discrepant norms and values regarding right and wrong

• Both lead to crime


Conflict Theory

• Chambliss: identified the difference between law on the books & law in action– Enforcement of law is often unfair– Interests of ruling class is strongly favored

• Quinney: blames unjust law on the capitalist system – Calls for political action against powerful class

who inevitably criminalizes the powerless


Figure 3.1 Quinney’s Social Reality Theory


Conflict Theory

• Feminist theory: theories of deviance are primarily about men and not women

• Power theory: emphasizes how power inequality (disparity) affects deviance

• Powerful are more likely to get involved in profitable deviance than the powerless – Engage primarily in less profitable deviance


Conflict Theory

• Postmodernist theory:

– Criticizes the positivist search for objective truth and deconstructs

– Or analyzes phenomena to understand their component parts

• In the same way phenomenologists try to reduce subjective experiences


Conflict Theory

• Criticism of conflict theory:

– Can’t explain common-law crimes and vices

– Wrong in assuming that a utopian, socialist society would be free of deviant behavior


Chapter 3 Constructionist Theories. Introduction Constructionist theories of deviance are less...

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