Example Of Labeling Theory

Labeling Theory The labeling theory of sociology holds that deviance is not defined by the act itself, but by “the tendency of society to negatively label individuals who choose to step outside of cultural norms” (Becker). This theory is concerned with how the labels used to describe or classify can affect an individual’s self-identity and social behavior.
Perhaps the most common form of labeling is stereotyping, which can be defined as “a standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group” (Applebaum et. al.). According to the labeling theory, when a stereotype is used to describe an individual, a series of acts known as “self-fulfilling prophecy” take place. In which, individuals are …show more content…
My dad has told me about a couple of times when they couldn’t afford enough food for our family of four, she would prepare a real meal for me and my younger brother, Turner, as she and my dad split a can of spaghetti-o’s. It was this whole-hearted love our parents had for Turner and I, that led them to agree that splitting up and divorcing would result in a better life for their children than forcing us to listen to them argue. I am still unsure of what exactly it was that went wrong in their relationship that caused the divorce, but I believe that everything happens for a reason. We were never brought into the middle, and in fact, neither Turner nor I even recall seeing them argue. I know that their decision was made with our best interest at heart, and we were so young that we hardly noticed a difference. We enjoyed seeing Dad on the weekends, and on special occasions, like birthdays or Christmas they would come together for our sake, so nothing seemed too out of the …show more content…
It was while studying drug addiction, that Lemert coined the idea of “secondary deviance” (Lemert, Social Pathology). Drug addiction comes with many demands and consequences, so the addict creates a role to deal with society’s condemnation of their behavior. Addiction to drugs is a very powerful force resulting in numerous economic and social disruptions. Therefore, an addicted individual often searches for justification. The “justification” that they find for their behavior becomes a social criteria in which they find themselves without fault (Lemert, Human Deviance). The labeling theory of sociology gave me a whole new perspective on how labels can affect an individual’s concept of self. Becoming educated on this topic will help me to think twice before placing a negative label upon another person. I truly believe that if my family and others would have been more careful about the way they labeled my mom, then she would have been more likely to seek help. The next time I am about to label another person I need to remember that everything happens for a reason, but I could be the reason things happen