 Dear students, in this module, we are going to discuss about different theories of symbolic interactionism which deal with the social control, differential association, social control theory and labeling theory. So symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals interpret and respond to social interactions and symbols. At the same time, differential association theory suggests that individuals learn deviant behavior through their interactions with others who engage them in deviant behavior. So differential association theory claims that individuals who have criminal behavior or deviant behavior are naturally inclined to deviance but they are controlled by social bonds and relationships. So propensity to become deviant is considered natural within each human being. It is not necessary that we are always confirmed. The propensity of deviance is present within us. That is why we are creative and innovators. If we do not have a complete sense of deviancy within us, then partially this deviancy exists. So social control theory suggests that we can control such behaviors differently and this can be controlled through social bonds and different relational bonds. And within any cultural context which is more embedded, its bonds and relationships will be stronger, it will develop the mechanism for more social control. On the other hand, labeling theory suggests that individuals may engage in deviance as a result of being labeled as deviant by the society. Such behaviors which we sometimes commit to as deviancy or get restricted to us and if the society labels any individual, then maybe that behavior perpetuates it and the individual starts to act on that behavior carrying that label. In Pakistan, for example, using the labels such as terrorist, nalaik or nikamma can be lead factor to the social exclusion and marginalization, perpetuating the deviant behavior. A student who works on his time in class or does homework, if it happens that he has left this impression on his teacher in the beginning that he could not do his homework because of any difficulty or helplessness, then maybe he will be labeled as nalaik or nikamma. Similarly, a student who has the potential to work hard and learn, if he fails in the exam and the label or tag appears on it that he is nalaik or nikamma, then maybe he will carry on this tag in the future and make his identity with the same tradition. Understanding the mechanisms of symbolic interactionism can provide insights into the root causes of deviance and how to prevent it. So, from the point of view of all symbolic interactionists, when we observe deviant behavior, as a sociologist, we get help from a particular lens and understanding how the mechanism of social control, the differential association and the labels play a catalytic role in becoming a deviant or potentially a criminal in the future.