Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance

Sociology: Chapter 7, Section 3

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

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

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

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSucylf4KhY

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

Primary and Secondary DevianceIn primary deviance, the deviance may be minor and doesn’t define who you are

In secondary deviance, your deviance becomes your master status

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

People may struggle to see beyond the stigma

Assessment

• Complete #1-6 on page 217