Societal Reaction Theories for Delinquency

1. Societal Reaction Theories for Delinquency

2. Overview of Societal Reaction Theory • Central focus of societal reaction theory is society’s reaction to particular behaviors • Two broad streams of societal reaction theory • Labeling Theory • Conflict Theory

3. Historical Context of Societal Reaction Theory • The recent emergence of labeling and modern conflict theory occurred in the tumult of the 1960’s and 1970’s • Viet Nam War • Civil Rights • Youth “Hippie” Rebellion • During this time many social institutions were being challenged, and assumptions questioned

4. Societal Reaction Theory Labeling Theory

5. Broad Mosaic of Labeling Theory • Labeling theory is a composite of the work of many theorists, including: • Howard Becker • Edwin Schur • Edwin Lemert • Erving Goffman

6. Central Questions of Labeling Theory • 1. Why are certain behaviors defined as delinquent? • 2. Why are certain individuals labeled delinquent? • 3. What is the effect of the label?

7. Why are certain behaviors defined as delinquent? • This question is largely addressed by Howard Becker • Assumes that behaviors are not intrinsically delinquent • Some behaviors are defined as delinquent • This is done through a process called moral entrepreneurship. Howard Becker

8. Why are certain individuals labeled delinquent? • William Chambliss, among others address this question • Chambliss suggests 3 crucial factors in the labeling of individuals: • Visibility of delinquency • Personal disposition of offender • Mobilization of community bias William Chambliss

9. What is the effect of the label? • Erving Goffman and Edwin Lemert, among others, have addressed this question • primary vs. secondary deviance (Lemert) • dramatization of evil (Tannenbaum) • stigma (Goffman) Erving Goffman Edwin Lemert

10. Societal Reaction Theory: Conflict Theory

11. The Marxist Foundation • The Infrastructure and the Superstructure Law Family Religion Education Science Economic Infrastructure

12. Marxist Foundation (cont.) • The composition of the economic infrastructure • Forces of Production • Relations of Production • Importance of the relations of production • Own the means of production (bourgeoisie) • Work for owners of production (proletariat) • These two classes in continual conflict

13. Marx and Crime • Marx said very little about crime • The criminal was a member of a third marginal class Marx called the “lumpenproletariat” • Marx’s contribution is tied to his analysis of law • Law is part of the “superstructure” of society • As such, it is controlled by the economic elite • Its content reflects ruling class interests • It is therefore the poor who will be victimized by law

14. Early Marxist Criminologists • Frederick Engels • Wrote The Condition of the Working Class in England • Suggests that crime is a result of demoralization of proletariat caused by alienation from means of production • Willem Bonger • Wrote Criminality and Economic Conditions • Capitalism encourages “egoism”, which in turn encourages crime. • Four types of crime encouraged by capitalism: • Economic Crimes • Sexual Crimes • Crimes of Vengeance • Political Crimes Frederick Engels

15. Themes of Modern Conflict Theorists • Law and Justice • Modern conflict theorists see the law as an instrument of the ruling class to serve their interests • Demystification--exposing hidden power relationships in society • Social Class and Delinquency Reconsidered