Interactionist Perspectives

Interactionist perspectives in sociology, including criminology, focus on the interactions between individuals and the meanings they assign to social situations and behaviours. These perspectives emphasise the importance of social interaction, symbolic communication, and subjective interpretations in shaping human behaviour and social phenomena. In the context of criminology, interactionist perspectives provide valuable insights into the processes of labelling, social control, and the construction of deviance.

Labelling theory: Labelling theory, also known as societal reaction theory, examines how the application of labels to individuals or groups as deviant or criminal influences their subsequent behaviour and social interactions. According to labelling theorists, the labelling process can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals internalise and conform to the expectations and stereotypes associated with their labeled status. This theory emphasises the significance of social reactions, stigmatisation, and the power dynamics in shaping criminal identities and patterns of behaviour.

Differential association theory: Differential association theory, developed by Edwin Sutherland, highlights the role of socialisation and interaction in the transmission of criminal behaviour. It suggests that individuals learn criminal attitudes, values, and techniques through their interactions with others, particularly within intimate social groups. The theory emphasises the importance of social relationships, peer influence, and the processes of reinforcement and imitation in shaping criminal behaviour.

Phenomenological perspectives: Phenomenological perspectives in criminology focus on the subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals involved in criminal activities. These perspectives explore how individuals perceive and make sense of their actions, the meanings they attach to their behaviours, and the situational contexts that influence their decision-making processes. Phenomenological approaches seek to understand the lived experiences of offenders, victims, and other actors in the criminal justice system to provide insights into their motivations, rationalisations, and interactions.

Ethnomethodology: Ethnomethodology examines the methods and practices through which individuals construct and maintain social order in everyday life. It explores how individuals use shared understandings, social norms, and taken-for-granted assumptions to navigate social interactions and make sense of their social environments. Ethnomethodological studies in criminology may analyse the ways in which individuals account for their deviant actions, the strategies they employ to maintain their social identities, and the negotiation of norms within criminal subcultures.

Interactionist perspectives offer valuable insights into the social processes that contribute to the understanding of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system. They highlight the significance of subjective meanings, social interactions, and the social construction of reality in shaping individual behaviour and societal responses to crime. By focusing on the lived experiences of individuals and the social dynamics of interaction, these perspectives contribute to a more nuanced understanding of crime and its social implications.