Symbolic Interaction, Labeling, Deviance, Reaction, and Restorative Justice

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Chapter 5: Reflection
Introduction
Unfortunately, authority/power figures have taken the mantle to control the law in ways that favor them and everything they do behind the scene. These people can decide what behavior is considered deviant and which children will be punished for delinquent acts. Labeling these children as deviant is usually subjective and is dependent on the values, attitudes, and moral perceptions of the people in power. The social conflict theory places focus on the attitudes, beliefs, and moral values of the power figures/ persons. In addition, this theory focuses on these people's political and economic interests and how they steer delinquency.
Symbolic interaction involves using words, gestures, signs, images, and physical items to pass information or enforce perception. For instance, when a person pulls a sad facial expression, the others around them will immediately deduce that they are emotionally drained or disturbed. Likewise, symbols are used to tell people how the bearers think, feel, and their status quo at any given time.
Labeling entails creating a false definition about a person, especially being branded in public, as a person promoting deviance. A person who has been labeled is always suspected of delinquent behavior and deviance. However, the person may start believing in the labels and accepting them as their identity with time. A result is a person who is locked deep into a life of deviance and crime.
Primary deviance involves individuals who are not perceived as delinquents by society, yet they continue to perpetrate evil and wrongdoing. They are not caught and always seem to get away with it every single time. On the other hand, secondary deviance involves individuals who have gone through the labeling process and have accepted to be branded as delinquents by society. Everyone views them as criminals and lawbreakers. As a result, they are avoided and gushed out in social projects.
Becker's table of deviance and reaction quadrants includes pure deviants, conformists, falsely accused, and secret deviants. Pure deviants are the people who get caught while practicing delinquent acts. Conformists are the individuals who abide by all laws and rules and are not branded by negative labels. People who are falsely accused are those who are held liable for an offense they did not commit. Finally, secret deviants are the people who continue to engage in delinquent acts without getting caught and labeled as deviants.
Over the years, claims and evidence of...