Asked by Jocelyn Lopez on Jul 08, 2024
Verified
According to Howard Becker, there are no inherently deviant acts, only societal reactions to acts that make them deviant. Describe an instance in which one person could be seen as a hero and another person could be labeled a criminal even though they are engaging in the same behavior.
Deviant Acts
Behaviors that violate the norms or expectations of a society or group.
- Examine the impact of labeling on self and others' perceptions, which may result in deviant actions.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 08, 2024
Final Answer :
One instance in which one person could be seen as a hero and another person could be labeled a criminal even though they are engaging in the same behavior is in the case of whistleblowing.
For example, if a government employee exposes corruption within their organization, they may be seen as a hero for standing up for what is right and bringing important information to light. On the other hand, if a different government employee leaks classified information for personal gain or to harm national security, they may be labeled as a criminal for their actions.
In both cases, the behavior of leaking information is the same, but the societal reaction to the behavior is what determines whether the person is seen as a hero or a criminal. This illustrates Howard Becker's idea that societal reactions play a significant role in labeling certain behaviors as deviant.
For example, if a government employee exposes corruption within their organization, they may be seen as a hero for standing up for what is right and bringing important information to light. On the other hand, if a different government employee leaks classified information for personal gain or to harm national security, they may be labeled as a criminal for their actions.
In both cases, the behavior of leaking information is the same, but the societal reaction to the behavior is what determines whether the person is seen as a hero or a criminal. This illustrates Howard Becker's idea that societal reactions play a significant role in labeling certain behaviors as deviant.
Learning Objectives
- Examine the impact of labeling on self and others' perceptions, which may result in deviant actions.
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