SOC 2106 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Frank Tannenbaum, Mark Colvin, Ethnography

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2106
• Professor: Sam Alvaro

Document Summary

Labeling theorists determine deviance as a dynamic process of symbolic interaction between deviants and conformists. In explaining deviance, labeling theorists call on two central ideas in symbolic interactionism. Deviance is a collective action involving more than one person"s act; focus should be placed on the interaction between the supposed deviant and other conventional" people. Interactions between the deviant and conformist are governed by the meaning they hold to each other"s actions; the meaning that people attach to an act is more important than the act itself. People who represent the forces of law and morality apply deviant labels to those who have supposedly gone against these laws/moralities. Howard becker: the imposition of labels is by those powerful enough or legitimated enough to do so. The individual is more likely to see themselves as deviant which in turns leads them to continuing the behaviour. Frank tannenbaum described two types of deviant acts in discussing the process of being a criminal.