Howard Becker

Definition

Howard Becker was a renowned American sociologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of deviance and social control. His work focused on challenging traditional perspectives and examining how social processes shape the definition and perception of deviance within a society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Becker's work challenged the traditional view of deviance as inherently abnormal or pathological, and instead argued that it is a socially constructed phenomenon.
2. He emphasized the role of power dynamics and social processes in shaping the definition and perception of deviance, rather than focusing solely on individual characteristics or behaviors.
3. Becker's labeling theory posits that individuals are labeled as deviant not because of their actions, but because of how others react to and perceive those actions.
4. The concept of 'moral entrepreneurs' in Becker's work highlights how certain individuals or groups actively work to create and enforce social norms, leading to the labeling of certain behaviors as deviant.
5. Becker's idea of 'outsiders' refers to individuals or groups who are excluded from mainstream social interactions and opportunities due to the labels placed upon them by society.

Review Questions

• Explain how Becker's labeling theory challenges the traditional view of deviance.
  • Becker's labeling theory challenges the traditional view of deviance as inherently abnormal or pathological by arguing that deviance is not an inherent characteristic of an act, but rather a consequence of how others react to and label that behavior as deviant. This perspective shifts the focus from individual traits or behaviors to the social processes and power dynamics that shape the definition and perception of deviance within a society.
• Describe the role of 'moral entrepreneurs' in Becker's understanding of deviance and social control.
  • According to Becker, 'moral entrepreneurs' are individuals or groups who actively work to create and enforce social norms. These moral entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping the definition and perception of deviance, as they are the ones who determine which behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable within a society. By influencing the creation and enforcement of social norms, moral entrepreneurs contribute to the labeling of certain individuals or groups as deviant, leading to their exclusion from mainstream social interactions and opportunities.
• Analyze how Becker's concept of 'outsiders' relates to the sociological understanding of deviance and social control.
  • Becker's concept of 'outsiders' is closely tied to his broader understanding of deviance and social control. By defining 'outsiders' as individuals or groups who are excluded from mainstream social interactions and opportunities due to the labels placed upon them by society, Becker highlights how the social construction of deviance can lead to the marginalization and stigmatization of certain populations. This concept underscores the power dynamics and social processes that shape the experience of deviance, as those labeled as 'outsiders' are denied access to the resources and opportunities available to those considered 'insiders' within the social hierarchy.

Related terms

Labeling Theory:

Becker's labeling theory suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act, but rather a consequence of how others react to and label that behavior as deviant.

Moral Entrepreneurs: Becker's concept of moral entrepreneurs refers to individuals or groups who actively work to create and enforce social norms, often leading to the labeling of certain behaviors as deviant.

Outsiders: Becker's idea of 'outsiders' refers to individuals or groups who are labeled as deviant by society and are excluded from mainstream social interactions and opportunities.