CRIM 104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Herbert Blumer, Symbolic Interactionism, Labeling Theory
Document Summary
Herbert blumer coined the term of symbolic interactionism. Labeling theory connected to symbolic interactionism because of discussion about the development of identity, self-image and self-concept. Symbolic interactionists felt that favourable and unfavourable responses from others in society would contribute to the development of positive or negative self-image. Events can have different meanings for different people with different experiences in different contexts or social situations. Meaning and the conception of self arise through social interaction (meaning and our self-image are socially constructed) Labeling theory emerged in late 1950s and early 1960s. Growing concerns about racial discrimination social inequality and civil rights. Emergence of diversion programs aimed at preventing juveniles from being stigmatized and being set on path of crime. Concern about the label juvenile delinquent/criminal becoming a. The dramatization of evil ; a tag being applied to identify child as delinquent. As a consequence, child might change own self-image or other might come to regard child as a delinquent.