SOCIOL 1650 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Herbert Blumer, Symbolic Interactionism, Labeling Theory
Document Summary
Criticisms of functionalism, the looking glass self, . Thomas: the definition is critical to interpretations, whether or not something is true, if it is defined as true it will be perceived as true, advantages: brings people into the sociological imagination at the micro- level. Individuals can shape their behavior; concept of agency is important: limitations: slice of reality is limited; people don"t always have choices; it focuses on interactions occurring but not why. Labeling theory: how public labeling, or branding, as deviant, has adverse consequences for further social participation and self-image. If master status is deviant, deviant identification becomes the controlling one: master status: a status that assumes priority overrides, other status consideration, ex: sexuality, criminality, race, may be a self-fulfilling prophecy . Consequences: exclusion from participation in most conventional groups; treatments (incarceration, institutionalization, medication) which may produce increasing deviance.
