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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Labeling Theory Deviance labels produce negative consequences for those receiving label: Tendency to see themselves as deviant, which leads to continued deviant behavior © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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. © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

8 Labeling Theory How did Howard Becker apply labeling theory to 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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenomenological Theory 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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenomenological Theory Positivists: objective view, based on abstract meanings Phenomenologists: –Study situated meanings and the subject's interpretation of their own behavior © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenomenological Theory 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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 3.1 Quinney’s Social Reality Theory © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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 © 2013, 2010, 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.