The Labeling Theory Labeling theory is one of the most important approaches to understanding deviant and criminal behavior. It is the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping. Kornblum, Julian, & Smith (2012) stated that, “labeling theory holds that deviance is not inherent to an act, but instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. According to labeling theorists, social problems are conditions under which certain behaviors or situations become defined as social problems. The cause
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As an area of focus, it flourished within American sociology during the 1960s, thanks in large part to sociologist Howard Becker. However, the ideas at the center of it can be traced back to the work of founding French sociologist Emile Durkheim. The theory of American sociologist George Herbert Mead, which focused on the social construction of the self as a process involving interactions with others, was also influential in its development. Others involved in the development of labeling theory and the conduct of research related to it include Frank Tannenbaum, Edwin Lemert, Albert Memmi, Erving Goffman, and David Matza. …show more content…
He or she becomes a ‘hooligan’ or ‘thief’ rather than a father, mother or friend. Each label carries with it prejudices and images and this may lead to others interpreting the behavior of the labeled person in a way. For example, a person who volunteers to stay late at work is usually seen as worthy of praise, but, if a person has been labeled as a thief, people might be suspicious that they will steal something. For some people once a deviant label has been applied this can lead to more deviance. This happens when people start acting in the way they have been labeled.”
Overall, the labeling theory has a primary and secondary theory and it defined the ways of the effects that it has on criminals. The way people label others has negative effects as a person being labeled because it deuterates the person and makes them have a harder life in America because they are criminals. It also effects criminals and how it affects them in a negative way again is because they are not seen as regular people after committing crime although a person may commit crime once, it should not define them as a criminal. However, the labeling theory sees a criminal as a deviant and a disgrace to
As an area of focus, it flourished within American sociology during the 1960s, thanks in large part to sociologist Howard Becker. However, the ideas at the center of it can be traced back to the work of founding French sociologist Emile Durkheim. The theory of American sociologist George Herbert Mead, which focused on the social construction of the self as a process involving interactions with others, was also influential in its development. Others involved in the development of labeling theory and the conduct of research related to it include Frank Tannenbaum, Edwin Lemert, Albert Memmi, Erving Goffman, and David Matza. …show more content…
He or she becomes a ‘hooligan’ or ‘thief’ rather than a father, mother or friend. Each label carries with it prejudices and images and this may lead to others interpreting the behavior of the labeled person in a way. For example, a person who volunteers to stay late at work is usually seen as worthy of praise, but, if a person has been labeled as a thief, people might be suspicious that they will steal something. For some people once a deviant label has been applied this can lead to more deviance. This happens when people start acting in the way they have been labeled.”
Overall, the labeling theory has a primary and secondary theory and it defined the ways of the effects that it has on criminals. The way people label others has negative effects as a person being labeled because it deuterates the person and makes them have a harder life in America because they are criminals. It also effects criminals and how it affects them in a negative way again is because they are not seen as regular people after committing crime although a person may commit crime once, it should not define them as a criminal. However, the labeling theory sees a criminal as a deviant and a disgrace to