Reasoning: The reasoning is based upon the view that a person internalizes the reactions of others. Such internalization then leads to secondary deviations from general society.

Assumptions: The author is assuming that the reaction of society against deviation will be either punishment or generalization. He assumes these to be responsible for the perpetuation of deviation, rather than any inner deviant tendencies within the offender.

Implications: The implications of the author's view could lead to a radical change in the way society reacts to deviation and crime.

Point-of-View: I agree with the author's point-of-view: deviation that is generalized singles the offender out as such, and it becomes easy to perpetuate this view via secondary deviation.

Chapter 42: Outsiders by Howard S. Becker

Purpose: The purpose of the Chapter is to identify the effect of social response upon the nature of deviant crime. Becker holds that deviance is identified by societal rules and laws - the deviant is classified as such because of the existence of the law against his or her actions.

Question: The hypothesis of the Chapter is that criminal justice and social response to crime tends to be more severe for certain persons than for others. The author uses the example of middle class as opposed to slum areas to emphasize this...

The rule makers are entrepreneurs who feel that a rule is important enough to enter it into the social process for creating laws. Once this rule is in effect, enforcers serve the purpose of reaction and labeling for those breaking the rule.
Inferences: The main conclusions are that both rule making and deviance from rules require and enterprising spirit. These are connected via reaction and response. Those who take the initiative to break rules are labeled according to a set of criteria not only connected to the rule itself, but also according to the deviant's social status and prior offenses.

Assumptions: The author is assuming a basic understanding of the way in which western society operates in terms of rules and corrections.

Implications: The implications of the author's view is a better understanding of the connection between rule making, rule enforcement, and the deviant. The three are interconnected in ways that might encourage rather than curb deviance.

Point-of-View: I agree with the point-of-view that connects rules, society's response, and the deviant, as well as how the deviant is singled out as such. I would have liked to see suggestions on how the existing situation can be mitigated.