Consequences Of Labeling

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
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...

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,

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 ...
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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 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...
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

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

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

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, ...
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

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

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
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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).

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

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.

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

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

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

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 oftenthought 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

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

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,

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 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

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...
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

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

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
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

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 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 Helpwriting.net ...
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

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

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
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

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 ...
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
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 thesociology 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

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

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 Helpwriting.net
...
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,

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 ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
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 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

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,

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

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 ...
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 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

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
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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 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). Thistheory 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

Labeling Theory
Labeling Theory When an individual become labeled as a criminal it becomes their "master status." "В…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

Consequences Of Labeling

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