The document summarizes key aspects of labeling theory, including that deviance is defined by societal labels rather than inherent acts, that these labels can become an individual's master status and lead to exclusion and self-fulfilling prophecies of deviant behavior. It notes labeling theory argues deviance is created by societal rules and reactions to those who break norms, and that being denied means to participate normally can push some into criminal careers. However, it also outlines some criticisms of labeling theory, such as neglecting macro-level societal factors and change, and over-emphasizing determinism and individual choice.

2.  Deviance is not fixed to an act – Focuses on the tendencies
of a majority to label a minority negatively.
 Master Status – Becomes the first thing you know/see
about an individual. This can then lead to exclusion.
 Self-fulfilling prophecy – An individual takes on the label
associated to them and then act accordingly.
 Deviant careers – labelled as deviant, more likely to
establish a deviant career.
 Criticises others for accepting deviance and therefore
majority views.

3.  Deviance created by society – social groups create
deviance by creating rules that must be adhered to.
 Going against rules – classed as an ‘outsider’
 “to whom that label has successfully been applied.” - a
deviant individual
 Deviant outsiders may view those abiding members of
society as being the outsiders of their group.
 If an outsider is denied the means to carry out normal
routines then they have to find some other way to earn a
living. i.e. criminal careers

4.  Deterministic – once somebody is labelled, a deviant
career is inevitable
 Focuses on underachievers – people who are regarded as
lower in society
 Fails to explain why people commit crime before they are
negatively labelled.
 Ignores that individuals may choose to be deviant.

5.  Youth killed himself
 Broken the rules – not being discreet
 Highlights the basis of Becker’s labelling theory
 Not the act – the social reaction

6.  Taylor, Walton and Young (1973) – actions of those who
break the rules, not in terms of social reaction.
 Neglects the macro theory – miss larger issues of society by
focusing too closely on the minor things.
 Over-emphasising the individual
 Little explanation about social relationships & how they
reflect our behaviour to force us into behaving a certain
way that we have no choice about
 No account for social change/social order