The Only Micro Theory 'Labeling': An Interactionist Perspective

The only Micro Theory ‘Labeling’, is an interactionist perspective, which focuses on the interactions of the individual, compared to the Macro Theories of conflict. Looking at the way a person’s self identity and behaviour can be influenced by the terms used to classify or describe them. Concepts of the self fulfilling prophecy, whereby a person can be influenced into becoming what they have been labeled, and stereotyping by negatively labeling minority groups. Judging deviant behaviour as deviation from the cultural norms, the majority bestowing a label or stigma upon those who deviate, those labels leading to changes in their self concept and social identity. Deviant or criminal acts do not occur naturally, but are determined by societal norms and the reactions of its members in different situations and contexts (Giddens, 1989).
Giddens, A. (1989) Sociology. (2nd ed.) Cambridge: Polity Press.
Social construction of deviance requiring two groups; one group lacking power and the other with higher power, having negative responses to deviances and criminal labeling. Becker (1973) refers to the deviant career, having to pass through stages before the label takes effect. He concludes that those who are identified as deviants in society are not the only ones who consider committing deviant acts, instead he suggests consideration should be given to why people conform, as the impulse to deviate is a human trait (Kirby et al., 2000). The concept of a deviant career allowed Becker to suggest deviance as being learned, not just a label. This supported by the self fulfilling prophecy whereby those labeled assume the labels characteristics and that person joining together with those similarly