The Labeling Theory

The Labeling Theory
Deviance is defined as any action, belief, or human characteristic that a large number of people who
are members of a society or a social group consider a violation of group norms and for which the
violator is likely to be censured or punished (Ritzer). Thus, whether certain acts are considered
deviant or not depends on society's social context. Deviance is not based on the actions of
individuals, rather based on the social context in which it occurs. The norms themselves, or society's
definition of that act that decide which acts are deviant or not, are continually defined and redefined
through ongoing social processes such as political and cultural. Through the intervention of moral
entrepreneurs, certain people or activities that occur come ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
After reading the statement by the non–partisan group the Sentencing Project "Does Race Change
the Way We Discuss Drug Crimes?" the Labeling Theory can help us understand this report. It is
stated in the reading that, "It is hard not to conclude from these divergent trajectories that race and
class significantly shape drug policy priorities. Indeed, researchers have shown that when white
Americans associate crime with people of color, they are more supportive of punitive criminal
justice policies... Enforcement continues to disproportionately target people of color: almost two
thirds of drug prisoners are black or Latino" (The Sentencing Project). It is not acceptable that
society has continuously labeled specifically African American and Latino individuals associated
with drug crimes, where white individuals are guilty as well. African Americans and Latinos are
labeled in a negative manner. This label effects their own perceptions of themselves, therefore
directing their behavior into deviance. Deviance is not an act in itself but instead it is the people who
obtain labels on others tendency or behavior. It is society that makes false accusations against such
criminals. According to the conflict perspective, deviance is socially created and the structure in
society defines what is considered normal and what is not. Hence, there is no such thing as "human
nature," deviance is the creation of the social structure rather than something built into our nature. In
conclusion, social norms refer to the behavioral standards in which human beings are supposed to
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Social Labeling Paper
Introduction In this paper I will be discussing my experiences being labeled as deviant. All my life I
have struggled with social anxiety. This anxiety makes it difficult for me to talk to other people in
social situations or speak to others in large groups. As a result of this, others often see me as 'weird'.
Throughout this paper, I will analyze how I have come to be labeled deviant and how I have adapted
to this label over the course of my life. Within the study of deviance, the labeling perspective as well
as symbolic interactionism aid in our understanding of the stigmatizing process that takes place.
More specifically, these theories help us understand the process of being labeled by other
individuals, and our response to this labeling ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Therefore, for Blumer, meaning affects human action. It is said, "because people actively interpret
symbols, they may see slightly or even radically different meanings than others would under the
same circumstances" (Gomme, 2007, p. 83). In relation to my experience, this stands true. As stated
in the introduction to this analysis, throughout middle and high school, I was put in different
classrooms than other students to do my work because I was viewed as incapable of completing my
work to the ability of my classmates. As I got older teachers would more emphasis on the fact that I
was unable to learn at the same speed as the other children and my label as 'disabled' became more
and more prevalent. As a result, I was placed in a separate room for exams when other students
would write in classrooms. This separation from my fellow classmates can be seen through symbolic
interaction as

Labeling Theory And Strain Theory
Michael Byrnes Cindy Moore Theories of Criminal Behavior 11/16/14 Labeling Theory and Strain
Theory: John Dillinger Introduction: Throughout history there have always been many different
theories of crime and why people commit crimes. In the late 1930s a new theory rose to the
forefront; this theory was called the anomie theory. Anomie means a lack of ethical standards. The
anomie theory was proposed by Roberton Merton. It stated that society, as a whole, generally shares
the same goals relating to having success in life; whether that is having a family, wealth, power, or
just happiness. Society generally agrees that these are things that are to be sought after. Furthermore,
Merton proposed that society, as a whole, also has a list of generally accepted ways to achieve such
goals (Merton, 1938). Criminal activity, such as robbery, murder, and corruption, are among the
things that are not accepted by society as appropriate means to achieve these goals. Merton's anomie
theory was built upon in 1992 by Robert Agnew who developed the general strain theory. General
strain theory argues that when members of society are unable to achieve the general goals that
society has set forth, they will, in order to avoid further rejection, further alienate themselves from
society. Agnew also argued that if these individuals feel as if their shortcomings were a result of
their environment failing them they will likely develop very negative feelings towards society,
causing them to

Analyzing Howard Becker's Labeling Theory
Labeling Theory
The labeling theory is another important theory in the groups of sociological theories. It essentially
states that no acts is intrinsically deviant, but rather are established by those in power through the
formulation of laws and the interpretation of those laws by police and criminal justice system
(Schmalleger, 2014). In other words until someone or a group in society says that XYZ is an illegal
act then it is considered non–deviant (Schmalleger, 2014).
The person associated more often than not with the labeling theory is Howard Becker. Howard
Becker in the 1950s used symbolic interactionist approach to study deviance and focused on the way
in which negative labels get applied to individuals and on the consequences that this labeling
process creates (Becker, n.d.). In his 1950's book Outsiders, Howard Becker focused his attentions
on what he called moral entrepreneurs or those who engage in the process of getting particular
behaviors and acts as being deviant and therefore illegal. As an example think about marijuana laws
as opposed to laws against alcohol. Smoking marijuana was deemed illegal while alcohol is
approved by society (Becker, n.d.). Howard Becker felt that most individuals who were given a label
were the misfortune victim of an act deemed deviant and never ... Show more content on
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This theory has also been criticized for its primary focus on a relatively limited range of behaviors.
It lacks the awareness of everyday crime such as property crime. Finally the labeling theory does not
say much on those who engage in deviant behavior in secret, or those who are simply never caught
committing a crime. So since they are not given a label it stands reasonable to ask if they would
continue down the same path of criminality (Schmalleger,

Essay on Labeling Theory
The Labeling Theory is the view that labels people are given affect their own and others' perception
of them, thus channeling their behavior either into deviance or into conformity. Labels can be
positive and/or negative, but I'll focus on the negative aspects of labeling in high school. Everybody
has a label in high school whether it is the "slut", "pothead", "freak" or the "jock"; it is one of the
most apparent time periods in which individuals get labeled. Students have the mentality that
whatever label is placed on them is going to be stuck with them forever, which then leads into a
self–fulfilling prophecy. This, I feel, is a fear of being a "loser" that has been instilled throughout
years by the principals, teachers, etc. An example ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
She'll eventually accept it or have the mentality of "they see me as this, why not become this", then
she'll have fulfilled the prophecy. This label might stay with her past high school, but I think that
depends on the way she presents herself to different groups of people, if seen or labeled differently
by another group she would probably conform to this as well. Another common label used is "geek"
or "nerd". This label can be taken in both a positive or negative way but mostly seen as a negative
label in high school. This seems to demonstrate that when a student exhibits intelligence they are
then labeled as "geeks" or "nerds". This label group seems to be affiliated to harassment by other
groups mainly "jocks". This harassment of intelligent people can lead to the desire of being ignorant
in order to become more accepted. This is shown by the media through movies, and shows "geeks"
and "nerds" as being weak. When people are seen as different, or have different views, opinion, or
even dress, outside of the norms presented in school or any environment, they are segregated by
society by placing labels, which creates "outsiders". This labeling shows how society fears
differences in opinions and then demonizes the people with different views, and this is seen in
everyday American society. A great way to summarize the labeling theory and self–fulfilling
prophecy, is by a quote by Tannenbaum "the process of making the criminal is therefore the process
of

Stereotypes And Stereotypes Of Our Modern Society
Andrea Serrano
Whitley
English 1101
22 October 2015
Stereotypes in Our Modern Society Stereotypes are a big problem in society and will continue to be
in the future as well. Some people label others with certain stereotypes only because they think they
should act, talk, or dress a certain type of way. It is wrong that people think someone should act this
or that way based off their gender, nationality, or personality. The people that have those beliefs are
too narrow–minded and ignorant to see other people's points of views and to think of other's
feelings. People should stop labeling others and instead grow and develop into a community that
aims for equality and respect for one another. People tend to prejudice someone and create an idea
based off what they see. For example, if a person is shy in public, others will automatically assume
that person is a loner and has no friends. The media is to blame for this because it constantly targets
people in a way that's racist and stereotypical. It targets different people by saying things based off
their nationality and color. Most people think it is fine to do so because it's funny as seen on TV, but
that's the media's strategy. The media manipulates people by making stereotypical jokes and puns
seem funny. Making things seem funny that are actually not funny at all leads people to think it's
perfectly normal. It's not necessarily the viewers' fault, but the media's fault. People are constantly
blinded from the reality of what

Labeling Theory
LABELING THEORY Sociologyindex, Sociology Books 2008 Labeling theory arose from the
study of deviance in the late 1950's and early 1960's and was a rejection of consensus theory or
structural functionalism. Tannenbaum was among the early labeling theorists. His main concept was
the dramatization of evil. He argued that the process of tagging, defining, identifying, segregating,
describing, and emphasizing any individual out for special treatment becomes a way of stimulating,
suggesting, and evoking the very traits that are complained of. A person becomes the thing they are
described as being. Labeling theory or social reaction theory, focuses on the linguistic tendency of
majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
An Empirical Test of Labeling Theory Using Longitudinal Data MELVIN C. RAY, WILLIAM R.
DOWNS This article uses panel data and multiple regression of follow–up on baseline variables to
test direction of causality among drug use behavior, informal labels, and formal labels. Baseline and
follow–up data were collected on a random sample of 100 adolescents (54 males) and a clinical
sample of 88 adolescents (49 males). Separate regressions were performed on male and female
respondents using both samples. Slope differences across samples were tested using interaction
terms computed by multiplying sample type (coded as 0 = random, 1 = clinical) by each regressor.
Results partially supported by the labeling theory proposition of secondary deviance among males,
although changes are suggested in this proposition. Among females, drug use behavior was causally
prior to labels, which contradicts secondary deviance. Further research is needed to clarify reasons
for this sex difference in causal processes over time. An implication for research is to use panel data
where possible in testing direction of causality. An implication for theory in the social sciences is
that theories may be sex–specific. Thus theories must be tested separately on each sex as well as on
samples including both sexes. – jrc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/23/2/169 Official Labeling,
Criminal Embeddedness, and Subsequent Delinquency A Longitudinal Test of

Consequences Of Labeling
Interview Question (Interviewed Myself)
1. What are the consequences of labeling?
Labeling someone can be very dangerous. Many people label someone off of hear say they heard
someone committed a crime or certain act without proof or evidence. Even if they did have evidence
it's still wrong to label someone when we do not know the details of the story or circumstances of
the situation.
2. Being labeled because for your actions did it affect your personal
life?
Yes. Being labeled for my actions did affect my personal life. I was called all sort of names because
I decided to sleep with a girl one time.
3. The activity you partake in do you consider it to be deviant?
No. The activity I partake in I do NOT consider it to be deviant behavior although society thinks
otherwise. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Do you consider yourself to be deviant? If so why or why not?
No. I do not consider myself to be deviant because I don't feel as if I've done anything wrong. I
made a conscious decisions and I'm well aware of my actions. I did face backlash from many.
Society considers my actions to be deviant that's why I decided to write about my experience
engaging in deviant activities because according to society 5.Being labeled for your actions carry a
certain stigma or stereotype against you character? Even amongst individuals who know you
personally? (Family, Friends)
Yes. Being labeled for because of the choice I made did carry a certain stigma and stereotype
because everyone classifies me as the bisexual "curious" chick. Everytime this happens I politely tell
them "I have a name and I prefer to be called by it". Do NOT call me anything else beside by

The Theories Of The Labeling Theory
Historical Theoretical Conceptualization The labeling theory is a theoretical development within the
field of criminology, it is a theory that is used to determine self–identity and behavior of individuals.
The theory is also used to classify and or describe the identity and behavior of individuals. It is
connected to the concepts of self–fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping (Paternoster & Bachman,
2013). The primary authors of labeling theory are Howard Becker and Edwin Becker. The works of
these authors were started in the 1950's. Edwin Lemert made a distinction between primary deviance
and secondary deviance, while Howard Becker focused on the conditions under which labeling takes
place. Howard Becker coined the phrase "moral entrepreneurs" (Becker, 1963, p. 179), as
individuals who take the lead in getting a specific behavior negatively labeled or getting the label
removed. The labeling theory's conception is considered by many scholars to be an innovative area
of research and development in the field of criminogenic. This theory's inception was in 1963 and in
1960 the United States found itself in the midst of a great degree of political and cultural conflict
magnified by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the expressions of love, peace, and
happiness. The role that governmental entities, such as the courts and human services agencies
played in the creation of delinquency and crime was highlighted by Howard Becker. In many
accounts, the labeling theory was

Gender Labeling In Society
The environment in which a person grows up in and the people that surround them often times have
a lasting impact on them on who they are as a person and how they interact with others as well as
how they view themselves as. Society often contributes greatly in the way a person identifies
themselves by labeling them as either male or female. This labeling process begins by the time the
child is born and they are given the label of being a boy or a girl based on their appearance. Labels
are put upon a person throughout their entire life, depending on who they are as a person, the way
they act, what they believe in, and the way they interact with others. The role of society in all of this
is far greater than just putting people into certain ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
There are many labels that make up a person, whether it be gender wise, religion, ethnicity, or
something they are good at, but the ones that stick out the most are the ones that society imposes on
them. As individuals, once we are given a certain label, we start to believe it and begin acting upon
it. Oftentimes it may go to extremity where the individual begins to lose their own identity in
attempts to fulfill a different one. If the individual is told that they are very fashionable, they may
start to buy the latest trends in the fashion industry despite the price just to fulfill this label. Labels
may stray from the individual, but the ones that forever remain are the ones where a well–respected
individual lays it upon them. In On Being Sane in Insane Places (1973), David L Rosenhan performs
an experiment in which eight sane people are evaluated and are able to get admitted to a psychiatric
ward as pseudopatients. While in there, they acted the way they normally did but were disregarded
by staff members based on the label that was imposed on them. It took a while for the employees to
realize that they were mentally sane, but because they were admitted as pseudopatients, everything
else about them was disregarded. "Once a person is designated abnormal, all of his other behaviors
and characteristics are colored by that label," (1973:54). Rosenhan also says that the labels given by
mental health professionals are just as influential on the patient as they are on their family and
friends to the extent where they eventually begin to accept their diagnosis and behave accordingly to
it,

Labeling Theory
Labeling Theory When an individual become labeled as a criminal it becomes their "master status."
" deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the
application by others of rules and sanctions to an 'offender.' The deviant is one to whom that label
has successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label" Howard S. Becker,
(1963) Outsiders, (p.9). If you are labeled as a criminal, people do not consider all the good things
you have done; they just see that you committed some type of a felony and are now a criminal. Once
a person is labeled and judged by society it is very hard to get back to what they once had and
people often have an identity change. This is a social ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The person begins to accept this label and begins to live up to it because that's all they are told. They
begin to adapt to in and just live with the label rather than overcoming the pressure from society. It
is very hard for an individual to stand up to societal views. According to the theory, labeling and not
helping is most responsible for the criminal behavior and social problems that continue to occur.
Once an individual is labeled there is no getting around that through both the government and
society. As a society and country we have to stop labeling and look to help. By helping, we can stop
individuals from committing crimes and help them turn their lives around. Everyone in the society
views someone who committed crime at a young age still a criminal and don't think any different of
them. Also we think of a drug abuser as a "druggy" rather then asking, what can we do to help this
individual? "Although some authors indicate that the consumption of socially disvalued media
contents may have a symbolic value for people with a high degree of criminal involvement, or
suggest that media may provide them with useful information, the link between this criminality
dimension and media use has seldom been thoroughly studied" (Vandebosch). The media could
make it worse because they continue the labeling problem and bring it

Labeling Theory
Running Head: | Labeling Theory |
Labeling Theory
Stacie O 'Reilly
Miller–Motte
Lisa Bruno
October 20, 2012
Abstract
According to the works of Frank Tannenbaum, Howard Becker, Edwin Lemert and the Labeling
Theory, career criminals are often created by our juvenile justice system and by our society and their
labeling of juveniles who have been convicted of committing a deviant act. These youngsters are
often labeled as 'juvenile delinquents '. The Labeling, not the juvenile 's characteristics, can create a
habitual offender.
Labeling Theory
Frank Tannenbaum, also known as the "Grandfather of the Labeling Theory", in 1938, wrote against
popular beliefs that juvenile delinquents were different in many ways than ... Show more content on
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The answers to the survey questions are harsher than expected: 0 Would you hire someone you
recently saw in the local mug shots? The answers were in multiple choice formats and are as
follows– no, probably not, probably, or yes. Of the persons surveyed, 26.7% responded 'no ', 53.3%
responded 'probably not ', 20% responded 'probably ' and no one responded 'yes '. 0 Would you
allow your teenager to date someone you recently saw in your local mug shots? With the same four
choices for answers, 60% answered 'no '. 26.7% responded 'probably not ', 20% responded 'probably
', and no one answered 'yes '. 0 Would you feel comfortable walking next to someone you recently
seen in the local mug shots? Having the same answering options as the above questions, 6.7%
answered 'no ', 13.3% answered 'probably not ', 66.7% responded with 'probably ' and 13.3%
answered 'yes '.
The above numbers show how negatively people are thought of after an encounter with the law,
regardless of guilt or innocence. This must be apparent to the person being labeled silently by those
in his/her community, the treatment received may have a major impact on his/her self–image and

they may accept this view as true and will be accepted by others in the same situation.
Felons, by definition, are those people who have been convicted of a "serious crime". These
convictions can be of many things from conspiracy to

The Social Labeling Theory
Crime Theory
The Social Labeling Theory
The social labeling theory infers that descriptive classifications may at times define an individual's
behavior or self–identity. The theory closely relates to stereotyping or self–fulfilling prophecies. The
theory of social labeling explains why defiant individuals engage in activities that go against cultural
or societal norms (Crossman, 2014). Though popular in the early 1970s, theorists have redefined the
theory trying to avail assertions that conform to the present social formations. The labeling theory
relies on unwanted descriptors including defiance, mental disorder diagnosis, or disability while
trying to explain non–conformance to prevalent stipulations or societal requirements. Stigma is an
example of a social label that redefines an individual's identity and concept in society.
The Theory of Reintegrative Shaming
The reintegrative shaming theory remains common practice in the numerous criminal justice
systems around the world. Through the reintegrative theory, the justice system sought to create a
long–lasting bond between offenders and the society. John Braithwaite designed and formulated the
reintegrative shaming theory seeking to avail a feasible alternative to the social labeling theory
(Zhang, 2004). In his theory, John indicated two types of reintegrative processes that include a
reintegrative and stigmatic shaming. While the stigmatic shaming intends to disintegrate the social
tie between the offender and community,

Labeling Theory
Intro: The labeling theory is based upon the idea that one is not considered deviant through their
actions, but instead deviance is built upon from people negatively judging an individual with
disparate behavioral tendencies from the cultural norm. It centralizes around the idea that deviance
is relative, as nobody is born deviant, but become deviant through social processes when
surrounding peers consistently label a person as deviant. Therefore, one becomes a deviant because
one believes that one's self–concept is a deviant through consistent labeling of external factors,
usually from higher authoritative peers. The labeling theory therefore focuses on how one's self–
identity or behavior can be shaped and influenced by how other ... Show more content on
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Becker's famous book Outsiders is known to be the manifesto of the labeling theory movement
among many sociologists. He describes deviance in relation to the labeling theory as that: "...social
groups create deviance by making rules whose infraction creates deviance, and by applying those
roles to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. From this point of view, deviance is not a
quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by other of rules
and sanctions to an 'offender. ' The deviant is one to whom that label has been successfully applied;
deviant behavior is behavior that people so label" The idea of moral entrepreneurs consists of people
with higher authoritative power that have the ability to create and enforce moral norms by
integrating them into legal statues and prohibitations (Gomme, 2007, p. 83). This creates a social
hierarchy between those with higher moral or economic interests in comparison with those of less
social and economic power. Therefore, the higher social classes are the ones that create the deviant
labels of nonconformists. A deviant career is the process of how one becomes a deviant. Becker
relates this to the concept of a career from how one begins at the lowest position and through hard
work and time he or she will continuously be promoted throughout his or her career. Each
promotion affects the individual's self–esteem, self–concept, and identity (Gomme, 2007, p. 83).

The Sociological Theories: The Labeling Theory
The sociological theories are the main contribution to understand social and political thinking,
behavioral patterns, positive and negative contribution to the community, and how well individuals
follow and respect the norms of society. The labeling theory creates some sort of easiness to
stigmatize or stereotype an individual due to an action committed, established ideals, financial level,
and ethnicity these factors explain the role of certain types of deviance that results from the
individual who acts on them, and society's reaction to them. Labeling is the mere outcome of socio
economic suppression and the causes that drive an individual to label themselves as a certain name
to whom society refers to permanently. For example, racial ... Show more content on
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This theory basically connects to the outcomes that can lead to a delinquency path, such as
unachieved goals that can later on lead to poverty, depression, and anger. Every individual has a
common goal to obtain wealth, acknowledgement from society, power, and other types of
achievements that can be noticed. When something goes in the wrong direction and all of a sudden
all of their established expectations and future achievements fail, is when a dysfunctionality is
created. Losing positive stimuli such as a family relative, friend, or love partner, due to death or a
break up creates strain in an individual. In contrast having negative stimuli in an individual's life like
physical and emotional abuse, violence, rape, neglect of attention from their family, and lack of
support stir up negative emotions. The general strain theory asserts that according to the complexity
of the situation that is occurring the strain that is derived from it according the severity of the issue
is the amount of time that the strain will last. What is derived from the theory is that according to the
individual many coping mechanisms result according to the way they want to handle their strain,
some cope by dealing with their feelings and others by engaging in deviant behavior. Having
constant strain in an individual's life can result hazardous and produce negative irreparable damage,
"The person retreats by becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol or escaping through a mental disorder
or suicide" (Clinard and Meier, 80). Connecting this theory to Pablo Escobar depicts the various
stimuli that he had in his life such as economic stimuli, family, and demographic. The economic
stimuli during his childhood was negative he did not have much and the absence of materialistic
things and revenue created strain in his life and made him become

Interaction And Labeling Theory
Interaction and Labeling Theory
The interaction and labeling theories are focused on the meaning of crime and criminality. (Bohm &
Vogel). The criminalization process is the primary focus instead of the peculiarities of the criminal
actor. They believe that criminals are the product of a negative social reaction.
The interactionism and labeling theory comes from the symbolic interactionism of George H.
Meade. (Bohm & Vogel). Meade based his ideas on 3 propositions. The first is that human beings
act toward tings based on the meaning things have for them. People interpret the same events based
on the meanings attached to them the second is that the meaning of things are based on the social
interactions that one has with his fellows.

Labeling Theory A True Theory
Labeling theorists seek to understand what transpires after an individual is identified for committing
a criminal act and society labels the offender. This approach differs from the view of choice,
biological predisposition, psychological factors, social learning factors, and societal bond and
control theories, which seek to explain the first offense and any subsequent criminal acts. Therefore,
is labeling theory a true theory? Defend your answer and include specific elements of labeling
theory.
With respect to the labeling theory it is fact a true theory and, while many scholars have accepted
the labeling theory as such. The problem is that it has become a major distraction among scholars
and as well critics who have concern of the labeling theory's effectiveness. At the same time, critics
caution that while the labeling theory supposed to be diminishing criminal involvement and state
intervention and they concern and their anticipation is that they are afraid that it could actually
worsen criminals in having the opposite effect as most criminals typically started to accepted the
concept of labeling as the norms, which, in turn leading to more crime.
Fully explain each of Hirsch's four elements of social bonding. How does his social bonding theory
differ from his self–control theory?
The Hirsch's four element of social bonds are Attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. He
stresses the importance of these four bonds concerning criminality, and the lack of them

Labeling Theory of Deviance
The Labeling Theory–also referred to as Social Reaction Theory– asserts that crime is a label
attached to wrongdoing, and often the label becomes a stigma that increases criminality. The
Labeling Theory became most dominant between the early 1960s and the late 1970s. The labeling
theory says that deviant individuals are deviant mainly because they are seen deviant by society;
individuals who are labeled as deviant may be likely to reject themselves and act deviantly because
of the label. Labeled individuals could include prostitutes, former criminals, nerds, alcoholics, etc.
The labeling process can be simplified into six steps: initial criminal act, detection by the justice
system, decision to label, creation of a new identity, acceptance of labels, and deviance
amplification. Individuals who are used to being labeled negatively have low self–esteem and are
more likely to separate themselves from others; they may also act deviant as a result of the label.
When someone is labeled by society it makes it difficult to return to label that they once had. Their
identity is tampered and changed. Labeling can have a terrible effect on the lives of people and it is
a social problem within society. (Hagan 2013) J Berburg states that the labeling of society can lead
to them developing a career of a delinquent. After the crime is committed they are forever deemed a
criminal; this is telling society that once they do something wrong they are not allowed to change.
Scholars suggest

Charles Manson Criminal Behavior Theory
Known Perspectives
Professionals who have examined the case of Charles Manson and have researched his life have
been able to hypothesis and diagnose him with various psychological disorders. While attempting to
get bail Charles Manson was diagnosed with paranoid delusional disorder and schizophrenia. If
Charles Manson had schizophrenia then it was caused by his drug use that occurred in his thirties.
Therefore, this is not an explanation for why he committed crimes in his childhood and teenage
years.
The Cause of Charles Manson's Criminal Behavior
There are an abundance of sociological theories that can be corelated with the crimes that Charles
Manson committed including the behavior theory (Behaviorism), the social learning theory and ...
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The schools of thought that coincide best in the case of Charles Manson are the behavior theory and
the labeling theory. Manson never had a family who was there for him and his mother was unable to
love him and show him the affection that was essential throughout his development and early
childhood. He observed this lack of affection from a young age and saw how his mother treated
other individuals in a manipulative way which led him to treat others the same. This is a strong
example of the behavioral theory since the way that Manson was brought up developed his
personality, his behaviors and his opinion on other individuals. From a young age Manson was
known as a criminal by society and the criminal justice system. Manson began to steal from stores at
a young age which resulted in him being labelled as a criminal. Since Manson was labelled this
horrendous tittle he lived up to it and felt like there was no other label that he could possess. As the
crimes that he committed continued to get darker so did his label. From robber, to a rapist and
eventually a manipulator who led to people commit murder by proxy. Charles Manson is a
fascinating example of how the labelling theory works and depicts an individual's fate based on the
one word that they are continually called throughout their life. Manson never attempted to become
anything bigger then a criminal because he was in a self–fulfilling prophecy of criminal

Labeling Theory Or Social Reaction Theory Essay
Chapter 7 contains a discussion of the labeling process. Describe that process.
Schmalleger describes the labeling theory or social reaction theory as one that sees persistent
criminal behavior as a result of not, having the chances for normal conduct that follow the negative
responses of society to those that have been labeled as criminals. There is an expectation of a
continuous increase in crime that is a direct effect of the label that is attached. The result of negative
labels creates limited chances that the behavior would change on behalf of the criminal, due in part
to societies stigma placed upon them (Schmalleger, 2012, p. 186). Those theorists responsible for
the labeling theory that are discussed in our readings during this weeks assignments are listed as
Frank Tannenbaum, Edwin M. Lemert, Howard Becker, John Braithwaite and others. When
discussion the concept labeling, one must understand some of the most early descriptions of societal
reactions to deviance, this can be found in the 1938 works of Frank Tannenbaum who explained the
term, tagging. Schmalleger defined tagging as the process whereby an individual is negatively
defined by the agencies of justice. Within tagging Edwin M. Limert, used the terminology of
primary and secondary deviance, primary being a deviant act that was undertaken to achieve some
immediate issue and or problem that may have arisen in the person life and doesn't intend for the
criminal behavior to continue. Secondary deviance

Strengths Of Labeling Theory
Strengths Labeling theory has two simple elements that incorporates within the theory. One being
the negative reaction and labels that the public has of an individual and the consequences of those
labels that the affect the individual mentally and physically. It explains in simple terms why the
criminal commits illegal acts. The labeling theory contains simple logical that any one can
understand. Labeling theory is known to being simple and into the point. According to the book
Sociology: An Interactive Approach
At its most basic, labeling theory involves a number of fairly simple ideas: (1) Deviance (and crime)
have to be witnessed by others. (2) Certain perceptions of the act have to be made. (3) It has to be
labelled or defined as deviant ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The societal reaction of an individual's behavior leads to that individual becoming the criminal that
everyone labels him or her as. Labeling theorists argue that labeling theory can be applied to any
type of individual and to any crime. But, with every theory comes weaknesses. The theory has
lacked the explanation on why individuals first start to act deviant and they lack considering other
factors that can influence someone to commit a crime. However, even with these lacks of
explanation labeling theorists argue that the labeling theory have been timeless and can explain any
type of situation. Labeling theorist also recommend ways to improve on the policy of the theory.
The recommendations that were mentioned explain on how not only the government, but also
society as a whole can improve on the rate of crimes. All things considered, what you as the reader
should remember is that the most vital aspect of changing criminal behavior is society (yes, that
includes the person this paper too). Take this paper into consideration when thinking about the
following question: Are individuals born with criminal behavior? Or do we, as a society, make them
that

The Labeling Theory In The Criminal Justice System
Labeling theory argues that people tend to identify themselves and behave in ways that reflect how
others label them. The behavior of one individual will influence and is influenced by the audience's
reaction; while at the same time, the audience's reaction will affect one's self–perception, and in
turn, influences his behavior (shown as below). According to this theory, an individual's self–image
is actually constructed of ideas about what he/she thinks others are thinking about him/her. Human
behavior is the result of meanings created by the social interaction of conversation, both real and
imaginary (Mead, 1934; Macionis, 2012). In other words, according to the labeling theory, if an
individual believes others think he is delinquent, then the chance is, he will regard self as delinquent
as well, and make more delinquent movements. Therefore, the effect of punishment is negative
according to the labeling theory. The individuals who were convicted and sent to the prison will be
"labeled" as the felony and as the consequence, they will gradually accept this recognition and see
themselves as the criminals who ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Deterrence is the primary justification for punishment. In the practice, this deterrence–centric
philosophy serves as the fundamental principle for many criminal justice systems in the U.S., no
matter explicitly or implicitly (Eassey and Boman, 2015). According to Beccaria (1764), the central
hypotheses of the deterrence theory are that crime can be prevented when punishment is more
significant than the perceived benefits, and the punishment should be swift, certain, and severe.
Generally, there are two types of the deterrence, one is general deterrence, which emphasized on the
impact of punishment on the general population; while the other one is specific deterrence, which
uses punishment to reduce recidivism (Stafford and Warr,

Goffman Stigma Chapter Summaries
In chapter one of Stigma, Goffman describes different definitions of the term stigma. For example in
the very beginning of the book he describes how early Greeks used the term stigma. He describes
how the Greeks would refer stigma to body markings of different individuals to show how they were
deviant and socially unacceptable in their society at that time. Goffman then describes how in later
Christianity the word stigma and body markings meant a spiritual symbol or a symbol for a physical
disorder. Throughout chapter one Goffman identifies three different types of stigma; body which can
be described as physical, character which is described as internal or personal, and tribal stigma
which could be consider social or even cultural. After identifying these three different stigmas,
Goffman then describes how there ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
For example in this first chapter there was a scenario where a girl without one leg was thrown off a
bronco, to her all she can think about is how the crowd was thinking she wasn't thrown off the
bronco because he dangerous, but that she was thrown off because she was a poor crippled girl. In
the beginning of chapter two Goffman describes how there is inconsistency between virtual identity
and social identity between individuals, and how those individuals are shamed. Throughout chapter
two of this book, Goffman has eight different subtopics that label and explains information control
and personal identity. Under Social Information, Goffman discusses the importance of how different
symbols mean different things. For example in the book a wedding ring typically means one is
married, this symbol can show prestige or even honor in society. Goffman describes how status
symbol is more so prestige symbol because it draws more attention to

Labeling Theories And Labeling Theory
Labeling Theory Introduction to the Labeling Theory: Labeling theory is a theory of how
individuals' self–identity and how behavior can be determined or influenced by the labels used to
describe or classify them. The theory is a huge part of criminology that aims to dictate why certain
people who commit crimes are defined as deviant, while others who commit crimes are not depicted
as deviant. The labeling theory asks who applies what label to whom, why they do this, and what
happens as a result of this label. For example, a person put in jail is more likely to be labeled as a
criminal, whereas someone who speeds and gets a ticket is not. Even though both acts committed
were illegal the person is labeled differently. Labeling theory is interested in the effects of labeling a
person. It is quite clear that almost everyone will commit a crime at some point in his or her life. So,
what causes one person to be labeled as deviant and others are not? Along with this, why when
someone is labeled deviant are he or she more likely to commit another crime? Deviant behavior is
behavior that is not accepted in society. It is behavior far from the average, failure to obey group
rules, potentially the effect of a mental problem/disease, or a way to lessen the stability of society.
People disapprove of this behavior and it could even be harmful. It is not how a "normal" person
should act. When depicting deviance it is crucial to know the difference between primary and
secondary. In

Conflict Theory And Labeling Theory
Conflict theory and labeling theory are two similar theories in the world of crime. It has been
debated whether or not there is a clear line separating the two theories. By evaluating the two
theories, the differences between them can become more obvious and it becomes easier to separate
the two. In addition to conflict theory and labeling theory, there is another type of theories that are
used to explain crime. These theories focus more on a criminal 's lifetime and how their criminal
records have evolved over time. Two of the leading theories in this realm of criminology are Moffit's
theory of life course persistent offenders and Sampson and Laub's age–graded theory of informal
social control. These theories both explain why people commit or don 't commit crime. There are
similarities between the theories and also differences. By analyzing all four of these theories, a
better understanding can be gained related to crime.
The traditional view of crime has sometimes been that if a government is tougher on crime, the
crime rates will go down. There are theories that suggest the state interventions can reduce the crime
rates and are key to solving areas of high crime. However, labeling theory challenges all of this. This
theory suggests that state intervention can actually increase crime rates. By assigning labels to
"criminals" and "felons", the state is deepening the problems that are getting people to turn to crime
in the first place. Labeling theory states that the state

Modified Labeling Theory
In the most recent decades, mental disorders have entered to the medical model just as any other
physical disease. If a person starts hearing voices, suffers from certain paranoia, or feels like is
falling into a depression, he or she can call a specialist and take care of those symptoms just as back
pain or a flu. However, mental disorders are not only permanent incurable, such as most of the
physical illnesses, but they are susceptible for any stigmatization for people diagnosed with any
mental condition. Therefore, a mental impaired individual suffers from the illness, and the reaction
from the people around him or her being double condemned for their condition. In other words, they
are double stigmatized. Nevertheless, social factors also ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Statistically speaking, women are more likely than men to suffer from mental disorder (Goode,
2015, p.264). However, the kind of mental disorders between men and women differed due to the
social roles and gender constructed expectations. Men are more likely to be diagnose with anti–
social symptoms such as schizophrenia than women, where they are more likely to be diagnosed
with mainly depression than men (Goode, 2015). The social labeling from gender expectations
where men are more likely to engaged and performed in social setting than women, they are more
likely to become more aggressive and violent. On the contrary, women who is expected to be more
submissive in a social context, they are more likely to withdraw and fall into depression. In a more
recent study, Eaton et al. (2012), he suggests that, "women tend to exhibit disorders on the
internalizing side of the spectrum, such as anxiety and mood disorders, and men tend to exhibit
disorders on the externalizing side of the spectrum, such as antisocial personality and substance use
disorders" (quoted in Boysen et al.,2014). This internalization accredited to women has an
implication from the labeling theory and the modified labeling theory and the way women fulfilled
the self–concept once they have been diagnosed with a mental illness. In the same context, the

Labeling Theory Essay
When discussing the other theories, the meaning of the theory could be derived from the title.
However, when viewing the labeling theory, it does not mean giving behavior a label. The labeling
theory focuses on how other respond or react to the behavior that the juvenile has committed. There
are two types of reactions that juveniles are subjected to, official and informal reactions. Official
reactions would pertain to the reactions from the justice system such as police, lawyer and the judge.
Informal reactions are reactions of those that the juvenile associate with on a day to day basis such
as parents, teachers, peers, etc. Labeling theory attempts to explain why juveniles continue to
engage in delinquency and often seek out more serious ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Labeling theorist ask five major questions about the reaction to delinquency: Why certain acts are
defined as delinquent or status offenses, how others react to delinquency, what impact the reaction to
delinquency has on further delinquency, why some juvenile offenders are more likely than others to
experience the harsh/rejecting reaction, and are some juveniles more likely than others to respond to
the harsh/rejecting reaction with further delinquency. is not until a label is given to someone by
someone else in a position of social power that the person "becomes" a deviant. The labeling theory
has three key elements that attempt to provide insight to the theory. Primary deviance is behavior
that does not behavior that does not conform to the social norms, but the behavior might be
temporary, fleeting, exploratory, trivial, or especially, concealed from most others. The person who
commits the deviant act does not see him/herself as deviant; put differently, it is not internalized as a
part of the person's self–concept. Secondary deviance is behavior that does not conform to the social
norms, but the behavior tends to be more sustained over time. The person continues to do the
deviant behavior even after being caught and labeled by a social institution. The person accepts the
deviant label, incorporating it into the person's

Labeling Theory Of Recidivism
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the authors Cooper, Howard and Durose explain that
"3 in 4 prisoners of 30 United states are re–arrested within 5 years of being released." This behavior
is called recidivism. Recidivism is considered to be one of the most important ideas in criminal
justice. Recidivism is a type of relapse that leads to rearrests and return to prison. Cooper, Durose, &
Howard (2014). There are many theories and suggestions as to why recidivism rates occur at such
high rates. I believe that reoffending occurs specifically due the revoking of civil rights from
previous offenders.
Bernburg, J.G, Krohn, M.D, Rivera, C.J. (2006). Official Labeling, Criminal Embeddedness, and
Subsequent Delinquency: A Longitudinal Test of Labeling Theory. Journal of Research in Crime &
Delinquency. Vol. 43 Issue 1, p67–88. 22p. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The author's hypothesis was that by labeling previous offenders we are in fact increasing their
chances to participate in criminal activity. They tested their hypothesis by using data from inner–city
youths that were apart of mandatory interventions placed on them following incarceration release.
The broke down the data and made connections from the type of intervention required of the youth,
to the populations that they went through the interventions with. The analysis in fact proved and
supported the hypothesis that labeling prompts previous offenders to increase involvement in
criminal activities with other deviant groups. This article was considered scholarly because it was
peer reviewed. The same authors are found in other research findings surrounding similar topics and
cite other sources that are very easy to find. This article is also found in a reputable journal

Stereotypes: City Girl Vs. Country Girl
Stereotyping is something we are all guilty of. Putting people into categories and creating the
expectation that they will act accordingly. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, stereotype
means a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that
represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudice attitude or uncritical judgement. People are
constantly fitting their friends and neighbors into categories and judging them in the process.
Anyone who would say that is mean and rude would be right in saying so. The mere idea that people
can fit into boxes and stereotypes we have made is bizarre idea, one that is far from the truth. One
stereotype which has personally affected me is the concept of city girl versus country girl. The lens
and view people have on both are wrong and degrading to the receiver of the label. A city girl is
often thought of as a prissy, blond girl who is worried about her appearance and cannot handle mud
or anything dirty near her. On the flip ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
God created people with unique personalities as well as diverse ones. To think that we are able to
categorize each person into a small limited box is absurd. Humans are to beautifully different to be
put into categories. No two humans are the same, let alone massive groups of people. All stereotypes
do is hinder growth and negatively shove people aside without even thinking of the consequences.
When stereotypes are accepted as truth, it changes a person, usually for the worse. It is allowing
other people to judge and evaluate who you are instead of who you actually were created to be.
Naturally there is always some truth in the stereotypes. A city girl might actually prefer to be around
lots of her friends and therefore the city is the perfect place to be, but that doesn't necessarily mean
that she is a stuck up blond. We are all created in a beautiful way and all stereotyping does is limit a

Labeling Theory Essay
Labeling theory is a theory of how someone behavior can be determine by a term to classify him or
her. For example when an individual does a crime we identify the person as a criminal, when the
person is done serving their sentence for that crime we identified the individual as an ex – felon.
Many labeling theories have different implications on labeling theory and the criminal justice
system. They believe that the criminal justice system is the main key of setting people in illegal
occupations. As there are different effects of labeling, one of the theorist Braithwaite theory shaming
theory will explain on what effects labeling partakes.
When a person is labeled with a negative term such as a criminal they will act just as they are called
a person who commits a crime. If a teenager is label as a delinquent because he or she cuts class or
steals a pair of sunglasses, that label will ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
It is believed that most offenders are falsely labeled as criminals. "Instead the falseness in definition
is tied to the fact that criminal labels once conferred do not simply provide a social judgment of the
offenders behavior they also publicly degrade the offenders moral character" (Lilly, 2011). For
someone to commit a crime and being processed through the system the citizens will only think that
he or she is a lawbreaker and what they did is really bad ; they will just assume them as a criminal .
They believe that since they committed a crime he or she will commit another. "The labeling process
thus is powerful criminogenic force that stabilizes participation in illegal roles and turns those
marginally involved in crime into chronic or career offenders" (Lilly,2011). It is believed that
labeling increased criminal involvement and that it does not have no effect. For that reason labeling
has no effect the theory of criminal behavior becomes irrelevant. "Labeling effects are negligible"
(Lilly,

Labeling Theories And Labeling Theory
Labeling theory focuses on the formal and informal application of stigmatization of deviant labels or
social "tags" by society on some of its members. The process of labeling involves an engagement of
"Social groups [that] create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance, and
by applying those rules to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. From this point of view
deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application
by others of rules and sanctions to an "offender." (Becker 1963). This theory treats such labels as
both dependent and independent variables. Exclusively, it views labels as dependent or effect
variable when it attempts to explain why certain behaviors are socially defined as wrong and certain
individuals are socially selected and linked to such labels; ultimately, stigmatizing the person as
deviant. In contrast, labeling theory also views labels as the independent factors or causes when it
hypothesizes that discrediting labels cause continuation and escalation of the criminal or delinquent
behavior. Labeling theory tries to explain the differential application of official stigmatizing labels.
Labeling theory emerged as a perspective rather that a scientific theory (Cohn and Farrington 2012).
After an initial enthusiasm in the 60's and 70's the theory followed disillusionment in the 90's. It
wasn't until the early 2000's that scholars tried to revive the theory. The aim of

The Feminist Theory And The Labeling Theory
Throughout the world, deviant acts and social controls are committed everyday. An incredibly
significant one that is often unreported is sexual assault within the military. Sexual assault is already
determined as an extremely deviant act throughout the world. All acts of rape and other abusive acts
should never be dismissed or ignored, but rape within the military is often not reported or
recognized. If it is brought to light, the victims are generally in fear of losing their positions,
rankings, homes, relationships with their spouses and families, etc.... This is not to state that men are
not also victims of sexual assault, but women are much more prone and vulnerable to being attacked
and harassed. I will be focusing on the female victims of military assault in this paper.
There are two theories that I have applied to this deviant act. The Feminist theory and the Labeling
theory both have attributes that are applied to sexual assault within the military. The Feminist theory
focuses on the equality between men and women, and the labeling theory discusses the stigma of
giving titles to those due to certain appearances, actions, etc... I have also found some solutions that
could aid in bringing light and helping victims be more comfortable with reporting attacks. These
solutions would involve creating safe zones within the military base for victims, although the entire
base should feel safe for soldiers, but due to the issue then a space should be provided for those who
are on

Evaluate The Labeling Theory
The labeling theory is society using terms to describe or classify a class or group of people. The
people's self–identify and behavior can be impacted and influenced by the words that are used. This
leads to stereotyping and the concept of self–fulfilling prophecy as well, because people will believe
that they can only live to be what society has told them they can be. People should not be labelled as
criminal or violent before they even portray the behavior. It is not fair to them and the future they
may or may not have. Telling a person that they prone to violent and criminal behavior will
immediately change the views that they have on themselves. They will automatically believe that the
second they fail at a task or fall short of their life goals, it was because they were not meant for
them. Not only are the labels destroying the person's reputation with outside people, the labels are
destroying their mentality as well. The predictions are putting them in a box before they are given a
chance to develop the said criminal behavior. It does not allow the person to grow into a fully ...
Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They have not even been exposed to half of what the world has to offer them. Testing them to check
if they are prone to criminal behavior and removing them from the classroom into a special program
will have several problems when growing up. They can have a negative view of themselves
resulting in possible psychological disorders. Children may also develop a sense of resentment for
the test and view the children who passed the test are children who think they are better than them.
All of these reasons and more will only cause the children to exhibit the violent behavior they have
been told they have. Their violent behavior as an adult may have just been anger management issues
that could have been handled; but having singled them out they grew to possible domestic abuse
because they feel inferior due to the

Labeling Theory
Deviance, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. There is nothing inherently deviant in any
human act, something is deviant only because some people have been successful in labelling it so. J.
L Simmons The definition of the situation implies that if you define a situation as real, it is real only
in its consequences.
INTRODUCTION
Labelling theory, stemming from the influences of Cooley, Mead, Tannenbaum, and Lemert, has its
origins somewhere within the context of the twentieth century. However, Edwin Lemert is widely
considered the producer and founder of the original version of labelling theory. This paper, not a
summary, provides a brief history of labelling theory, as well as, its role in the sociology of
deviance. It attempts ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The deviant 's response to societal reaction leads to secondary deviation by which the deviant comes
to accept a self–image or self–definition as someone who is permanently locked within a deviant
role. Furthermore, the distinctiveness of the approach is that it draws attention to deviance as the
outcome of social imputations and the exercise of social control. Labelling theory is very complex,
making it quite different than other theories. Instead of looking at why some social groups commit
more crime, labelling theory asks why some people committing some action come to be defined as
deviant, while others do not. Labelling theory is also interested in the effect of labelling individuals.
As well, labelling theorists note that most people commit crimes at some time in their lives but not
everyone becomes defined as deviant or criminal. How does this process of defining a person as
deviant work? Look at a situation where a policeman holds stereotypes about typical criminals. They
use these stereotypes to interpret the behaviour of suspected deviants. In other words, the closer a
person comes to the stereotype held by the police, the more likely they are to be arrested, charged,
and convicted of the crime. Furthermore, once someone has been successfully labelled or
stigmatized as criminal or deviant, the label attached may become the dominant label.
MASTER STATUS
In labelling theory, the dominant label is most often referred to as the

The Basis Of Labeling Theory As A Whole Is Practically
The basis of Labeling Theory as a whole is practically exactly as it sounds, the labeling, or
stigmatizing, of a person or group of people throughout their life. This labeling is the result of how
that person, or group of people, identifies and behaves throughout their life. This idea of the
Labeling Theory comes from Becker, who claims that individuals will conform with what is said
and assumed about them. Becker's theory states the idea that those who are labeled throughout life
as deviant will become deviant and take on a known selfhood as deviant. This idea also claims that
those labeled as deviant will act more deviant than if they had not been labeled this way. The
Labeling Theory uses social characteristics such as class and race to ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Logical consistency, also known as internally consistent, generates the basis that the theory is filled
with internally sound and consistent ideas throughout (Akers et. al.). These ideas must make sense
in a logical aspect that does not allow the general ideas to conflict with each other in a way that
confuses the ideas. Labeling theory follows the concept of logical consistency by sticking with
labeling being the reasoning behind why people act the way they do, deviant or not deviant. As
stated previously, if an individual is labeled as deviant they will then act deviant. There is no
contrast to this idea throughout the theory, which allows it to be logically consistent. Another known
obstacle is that of scope. Scope is known as the range of distribution that the theory covers. For
example, if a theory focuses specifically on juveniles for a specific crime, such as theft, then the
theory would be considered to have a very limited scope. Labeling theory would be considered to
have a generally wide scope because of the fact that it covers all ages, all races, and all genders. The
theory also covers a wide scope because it references all deviance. Theorists have stated that,
"agents of control, who function on behalf of the powerful in society, impose the labels on the less
powerful" (Akers et. al, 2017). This points to the idea that it is not just one specific group of people,
but simply those of higher

The Labeling Theory: The Conflict Theory
The conflict theory suggests that laws are established by the dominating class for the dominating
class. Laws are made to keep the dominate class in power. And according to Adler, Mueller, and
Laufer, crime is caused when "Interests of one group do not coincide with needs of another" (185).
The labeling theory states that "Those in power create the laws and decide who will be the rule
breakers" (185) Like when people are called criminals, people treat "the labeled" as criminals. And
the radical theory suggest that "laws serve the interest of the ruling class" and that the "class struggle
over distribution of resources in a capitalist system" (185).
The example here I'm going to use is auto theft.
The labeling theorist would probably assume it is gang related and that this individual is involved in
this gang because he/she thinks of him/herself as a delinquent.
The radical theorist would see auto theft as the individual needing a car, but does not have the
financial resources to get a car. Maybe this person is unemployed or had just gotten fired.
The conflict theorist would most likely see auto theft and assume that the individual needed car. But
maybe they did not have access to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
I'd have to agree that discriminatory treatment causes crime. In my example above the hypothetical
money probably went toward something that the lawmakers and those associated with them (the
ruling class) could use, and therefore discriminated. I feel like this theory is the most substantive
theory because (unfortunately) it is very easy to discriminate against groups of people and cause

Social Labeling Theory Essay
Labeling theory emerged during the mid 1960s and into the early 1970s due to the United States
experiencing a rapid social change caused by economic and political conflict. Labeling theory
focuses on the role social labeling has on the development of crime and deviance. The theory
stresses how an individual who has been labeled as deviant from societal norms might initiate them
to continue their involvement in crime and deviance. Deviant behavior can be defined as conduct
that is disapproved by the public and is typically subject to some form of sanction. In simpler terms,
deviant behavior is socially constructed.
The roots of labeling theory can be traced back as early as 1902 to Cooley's looking glass theory on
the self, which simply ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This concept referred to formal sanctions. It defined the youth's behavior as evil and extended to the
individual involved, characterizing him or her as evil too (Johannes Knutsson, 1977). Mead was an
innovator of symbolic interactionism and believed an individual's self–awareness was created
through interaction with their environment. Theorist Edwin Lemert further developed this idea by
explaining how labeling affects criminality and recidivism among those who are categorized as
deviant. His theoretical approach distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance. Primary
deviance referred to individuals who commit nonviolent behaviors, sometimes referred to as rule
breakers. It should be noted that an individual does not reach this level of primary deviance unless
they are caught and labeled. When an individual is stigmatized and treated as deviant, they began to
identity themselves with groups who also labeled, resulting in them adjusting their behavior to fit
this identity as deviant. For Lemert, secondary deviance exists when an individual chooses to accept
and employ to their deviant status, committing more frequently and more violent crimes. However,
criminologists began to

Labeling Youths...and The Consequences Thereof
A child's self–esteem often times comes from their status in a group of their peers, their family,
school life and in society. With that in mind, society still decides to label youths as deviants,
delinquents and status offenders ultimately changing their own views on their self–image. This
affects the way youths think about themselves and how they will play a role in society. It also affects
the way society will later treat them and whether or not they become an outsider. Labeling youths is
an unnecessary evil that often times changes children into criminals. To understand labeling we must
first look at its definition. Labeling Theory is a theoretical approach to deviant behavior, basically
stating that applying formal definitions to an ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
If the judge concludes that the juvenile committed the offense, the judge does not find the juvenile
"guilty" but "delinquent". (Fagin 241) The judge also has the ability of sentencing the delinquent to
community service, a juvenile detention center or another fit form of punishment. Authorities and
teachers then treat "delinquent" children differently and several studies suggested that under certain
circumstances, "official punishment appears to increase the likelihood of subsequent deviance as
suggested by labeling theory." (Bartollas 130)
Labeling is not just found in society and the justice system or at home. It usually begins at school
where a child's achievements, behavior and temperament are placed on a scale to determine
normalcy. Should a child be difficult to manage, a slow learner or aggressive they may be diagnosed
with ADD, ADHD or placed in Special Needs/Education classes. This separates them from their
friends and other children inadvertently labeling them as different. The treatment of these children is
different than those in regular classes and programs. Sometimes children may not be able to perform
satisfactorily in school which leads them to become "disruptive, decide to drop out or are suspended
– all of which further reinforces involvement in deviant behavior. (Bartollas 207) Without a proper
education children grow and fend for themselves. They are left with minimum wage jobs or

Modified Labeling Theory
The labeling theory is most frequently used in sociology, especially criminology, when it comes to
defending juveniles. This theory states that when someone is negatively labeled they begin to
question their identity and their behavior is affected. The general public is the main group that often
labels people based on the crimes they commit. Equally important, the modified labeling theory is
exploited when appraising those with mental illness. Just like in criminology, the modified labeling
theory, as used in mental illness showcases the strident effects of labeling a mental illness. In
regards to mental illness, the labeling theory shows how individuals with a mental illness view
themselves in relation to how the public labels them. Overall, ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
As stated in the Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology (2006), the word "deviance" can be explained
as "non–normative behavior that, if detected, can be subject to informal or formal sanctions"
(Deviance, 2006). In the eyes of law, deviant acts are known as crimes; likewise, in the eyes of the
public, deviant acts are known as unacceptable and are negatively perceived. The study of the
deviant behavior was examined rigorously by Howard Becker (Labeling Theory, 2006). In the
Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance (1963), Becker revealed the definition of deviance
in the sociology field and standpoint (Labeling Theory, 2006). Judging by the definition in this
study, it is clear to state that deviance is justified and crucified by the public. The deviance of an act
depends on how the public reacts to the act or behavior, which is known as social power and
influence (Deviance, 2006). On the other hand, in the social psychology quarterly in relations to
mental illness, the extensive definition of the labeling theory or the modified labeling theory merely
mentions the pessimistic consequences that come about when

The Labeling Theory

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The Labeling Theory