NCJ Number
108170
Date Published
1987
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Interactionist theory centers on the deviant interchanges people have with one another and the meanings of these interchanges in the present, past, and future.
Abstract
A deviant career is the passage of an individual through recognized stages in one or more related deviant identities. In the early stages, deviance is enacted with little change in the individual's everyday routine or lifestyle. The deviant has a weak value commitment to both conventional and deviant norms. Social control agents play a role in checking deviant behavior. Moral entrepreneurs create and enforce rules, the violation of which constitutes deviance. As a result, some individuals are labeled deviants; this label generates a societal reaction, including stigma. As the individual's life becomes substantially modified by deviance, deeper involvement may occur with a deviant group. Interactions with social control agents is a career contingency that may push the deviant into or away from stigmatizing activities. Socialization into crime may occur through differential association or through the acquisition and acceptance of a criminal identity. While interactionist theory has limitations, one of its practical implications is that the commitment to continue in the deviant role not be enhanced through official labeling. 6 annotated references. (Author summary modified)