Moral Entrepreneurs
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 10.1.4
Moral Entrepreneurs
Becker argues that the role of moral entrepreneurs is significant in our reaction to particular acts.
Becker
- A ‘moral entrepreneur’ is someone who attempts to influence our reaction in order to change the law.
- These are usually journalists, politicians or members of the criminal justice system.
- Moral entrepreneurs begin to influence other people’s opinions, which then in turn affects the labelling process.
Cicourel
- Cicourel claimed that police officers and judges use typifications or stereotypes to influence their judgement of an offender.
- If the offender fits their expectations of a typical criminal, they are more likely to arrest them.
Primary deviance
- Lemert studied the difference between what he calls ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ deviance.
- This is covered in the next module.
Test yourself on Moral Entrepreneurs
Who argues that the role of moral entrepreneurs is significant in our reaction to particular acts?
Which of these is unlikely to be a 'moral entrepreneur'?