The “labeling theory” is the theory of how an individual’s self-identity may be influenced based off of the terms their elders and peers use to describe them, in which society’s reaction to deviant behavior is critical in understanding who becomes labeled as a deviant (Cox, Jennifer and Hanser). “In its most superficial form, labeling theory merely suggests that individuals may feel obligated to act out roles dictated by their new status as criminals (Ascani).” Research and case studies have been completed to test how true the labeling theory is, in regards to how one may change his or her identity in order to fulfill the roles related to the label. One example of credible research done to study the effects of labeling on one’s self-identity,
…show more content…
Labels can theoretically have a significant impact on the way people, but especially teenage boys and teenage girls, see themselves due to the fact that their brains are often not developed enough to shut out peer pressures and labels. Teenagers have raging hormones and are going through changes in their bodies that naturally make them feel uncomfortable in their own skin, which can result in poor self-esteem (National Institute of Mental Health). Unfortunately, teenagers and young adults are one of the largest groups that are victim to labeling. Adding negative labels into an already chaotic mixture of hormones and emotions, the perceptions that teenagers can develop of themselves can be demented and …show more content…
It would seem natural for the boy to grow into someone who is sensitive and more feminine than the average male. If the young boy enjoys playing with dolls instead of action figures, he is susceptible to being labeled as gay. Research has found that males face more homophobic name calling than females (Collier, Bos and Sandfort). Males who did not conform to the stereotypical gender roles and were also interested in the same sex, were found to have explained their psychological distress at a level that is increased by 13% (Collier, Bos and Sandfort). Unfortunately, being called “gay” is one of the countless labels that humans can apply to other humans that can damage a young person’s
Labels can theoretically have a significant impact on the way people, but especially teenage boys and teenage girls, see themselves due to the fact that their brains are often not developed enough to shut out peer pressures and labels. Teenagers have raging hormones and are going through changes in their bodies that naturally make them feel uncomfortable in their own skin, which can result in poor self-esteem (National Institute of Mental Health). Unfortunately, teenagers and young adults are one of the largest groups that are victim to labeling. Adding negative labels into an already chaotic mixture of hormones and emotions, the perceptions that teenagers can develop of themselves can be demented and …show more content…
It would seem natural for the boy to grow into someone who is sensitive and more feminine than the average male. If the young boy enjoys playing with dolls instead of action figures, he is susceptible to being labeled as gay. Research has found that males face more homophobic name calling than females (Collier, Bos and Sandfort). Males who did not conform to the stereotypical gender roles and were also interested in the same sex, were found to have explained their psychological distress at a level that is increased by 13% (Collier, Bos and Sandfort). Unfortunately, being called “gay” is one of the countless labels that humans can apply to other humans that can damage a young person’s