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Interactionism: labelling theory - Coggle Diagram
Interactionism: labelling theory
Labelling process
A label is attached by police and courts
The Label becomes a master status, overriding other statuses eg. sibling, friend etc
The labelled person accepts the label because how we see ourselves relied on how others see us
Self fulfilling prophecy takes place, whether the label was true or not, confirming beliefs associated to thr label
Cohen
Studied how the media has often demonised youth culture
Eg. mods and rockers (1964), seen as modern day folk devils who threatened social order
Acts of deviance can be minimal but still labelled as deviant
Becker
Focuses on the process of a person and act getting labelled as deviant
No act is intrinsically deviant but relies on context to determine its acceptability
Eg. nudity, drugs
Deviancy amplification spiral
Sensationalist reporting by newspapers distorts acts of crime and deviance to increase public awareness
Public pressure is put on police and courts to act
Creates a moral panic where certain acts or groups are seen as a threat to social order
Who applies labels?
Professionals with authority
Police
Teachers
Parents
Judge
Doctors
Social workers
Probation offices