Therefore, this theory is often used to understand criminal behavior or those that are considered deviants. Labelling theorists studied the various interactions between the criminal groups and individuals and the conformist society. Simply Psychology's content is for informational and educational purposes only. (2006). In those societies, soft drugs and their users are accepted and are not labelled as deviant or criminal. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on LawTeacher.net then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! He argues that being deviant is not inherent in a person, but rather, its built-in to society. And secondly, labeling can cause a withdrawal from interactions with non-deviant peers, which can result from a deviant self-concept. They will label her as a deviant since her behavior violates the social norms. ignores the victims of the crime. The level of stigmatization an individual gets varies on whether or not he cares about his label. Lemert states that there are exceptions and people continue to stay in the primary phase, an example would be someone who rationalizes that the so called criminal act is legal as it is necessary for them to survive and earn money (an exotic dancer would be an example). (1982). An example would be drugs. In the heavily collectivist, family-centered Chinese culture, those who were labeled as deviant were significantly more likely to be rejected by friends and neighbors than parents and relatives (Zhang, 1994a). Labelling can have different aspects as well. However, when those who were arrested were employed, the arrest had a deterrent effect (Bernburg, 2009). Those who support the theory see its strengths in: The weak spots of the labeling theory include: Works from other sociologists and researchers about the labeling theory are as follows: The modern labeling theory is credited to Howard Becker. Howard Becker (1963) is held to be the architect of the modern labelling theory. As it has already been explained, if the audience doesnt know about it then it is not a crime. Well done! David Rosenhans study . Short, J. F., & Strodtbeck, F. L. (1965). Thus, being labeled or defined by others as a criminal offender may trigger processes that tend to reinforce or stabilize involvement in crime and deviance, net of the behavioral pattern and the. We can thus conclude that labelling theory does have an effect, but is not the primary cause for most of the acts committed. These youths then go on to reject those that have labelled them and tend to set up their own criminal lifestyles consisting of criminal behaviour. For example, some can explain juvenile delinquency as an aftermath of negative connotations to events or words that are usually seen in a positive light. Weaknesses of Fraud's theory. One of the other drawbacks also mentions the aspect of self-labelling. The level of stigmatization an individual gets varies on whether or not he cares about his label. Becker (1953) wrote in his book, the Marijuana user, that the drug does not produce any addiction and that it has no withdraw sickness or any sort of substance that makes the user crave for the drug. Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1997). Zhangs study presented Chinese youths with a group of hypothetical delinquents and found that while those who had been punished more severely triggered greater amounts of rejection from youths who themselves had never been officially labeled as deviant, youths who had been labeled as deviant did not reject these labeledpeers due to the severity of the official punishment. His main concept was the dramatization of evil. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? However, there are already inherent drawbacks with the drawbacks given by various individual sociologists. This theory explains that deviance is not an individuals or groups character but instead the result of how criminality is interpreted by society. Its defined as behaviors that are out of the normal activities in society. He said that there are no different types of the mentally ill with just one type who conform to what society has labelled them to be. In spite of these, the major drawback of the labelling theory is the lack of empirical data to support it. Erwin Lamert (1951) founded the societal Reaction theory. Labelling theory supports the idea of radical non-interventionism, in which policy dictates that certain acts are decriminalised and the removal of the social stigmata surrounding the acts. Those are, no acts are inherently criminal, there can be a process of self-labelling, it covers or is supposed to cover all criminal activity, depends on the members of the society or those that do the labelling and finally it depends on the personality of the individual. Using this essay writing service is legal and is not prohibited by any university/college policies. Secondly is the process of self-labelling. Developmental theories of crime and delinquency, 7, 133-161. It shows that the law is often enforced in discriminatory ways. Although in most cases secondary deviance will be accomplished in which the person accepts the label of criminal and begins to associate with similarly branded people, losing contact with friends who conform to societies rules (Becker, 1963 cited in Labelling Theory). labeling theory, in criminology, a theory stemming from a sociological perspective known as "symbolic interactionism," a school of thought based on the ideas of George Herbert Mead, John Dewey, W.I. Becker pays particular attention to how people and society react and operate with others who have the criminal label. The word home can mean warmth and family to a non-deviant juvenile. Secondly is the process of self-labelling. Thomas, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer, among others. Stigma and social identity. The drugtakers. Early in the century, authorities labelled it criminal and illegal. 24-31): Routledge. The Chinese government implicitly encouraged the masses to widely revile criminals and deviants, while officially stating that they aimed to reform delinquent behavior, particularly in adolescents. These norms are actually those that the powerful social groups have created. Labeling theorists specify two types of categories when investigating the implications of labeling: formal and informal labels. Some studies found that being officially labeled a criminal (e.g. The theory's biggest weakness is that it places too much importance on the bonds relative to an individual and society, without looking at other concepts like autonomy and impulsiveness. Copyright 2023 CustomWritings. al., 1989). As those labeled as deviants experience more social interactions where they are given the stereotypical expectation of deviance, this can shape that persons self-concept. The secondary deviance phase usually begins when a person has accepted the criminal label. These labels are informal (Kavish, Mullins, and Soto, 2016). Essex: Pearson Education Limited. When someones labeled a criminal, he slowly thinks of himself as such and is likely to continue his criminal behavior. Walter Grove on the other hand was vehemently opposed to the theory proposed by Thomas Scheff. Criminology : Theory and Context. that label (even if we object to it). Book. We can thus conclude that labelling theory does have an effect, but is not the primary cause for most of the acts committed. There have been arguments that labelling in . What matters was the type of people going through the criminal justice system. (1965). Labelling theory - weakness. Some sociologists, such as Matsueda (1992) have argued that the concept of self is formed on the basis of their interactions with other people. This is due to the fact that people with low self esteem or a different/weak personality trait takes these drugs to show that they can handle it and want to rebel against society. arrested or convicted) increased subsequent crime, while other studies did not. Bernburg, J. G. Chapter title: Labeling and Secondary Deviance. This effect is so profound that Becker states that individuals with this label begin to be associated with the word criminal. Labeling theorists specify two types of categories when investigating the implications of labeling: formal and informal labels. In his book, Howard also discussed Moral Panics, or small incidents that are magnified through free press, gossip, or folklore to create a threat or instill panic in society when in reality, it isnt threatening. Beckers (1963) idea is that deviance But as mentioned before, the individual or group may seek to rationalize their behaviour, thus avoiding the prospect of self labelling. Becker, H. (1963). Link (1982) proposes two processes for social exclusion among those labeled as deviant: a rejection oor devaluation of the deviant person by the community and authorities; and secondly, the labeledperson can expect rejection and devaluation, leading to social withdrawal. Matsueda looked at adolescent delinquency through the lense of how parents and authorities labeledchildren and how these labels influenced the perception of self these adolescents have symbolic interactionism. Thus, those labeled as deviant would want to seek relationships with those who also have a deviant self-concept. In other societies however, soft drugs are illegal and the people who use them are labelled as deviant. Formal labels are labels ascribed to an individual by someone who has the formal status and ability to discern deviant behavior. As is the case with all sociological theories, it's important to be aware of the strengths and limitations that they pose when explaining certain phenomena. He is also responsible for coining the term moral entrepreneur which is a term used to describe law making officials who get certain criminal behaviour illegal. This goes against the labelling theory, which states that labelling must come from a third party. This is the most debated part of the labelling theory brought about by him. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, evaluation of labelling theory - negatives, Interactionist Theories on Social Class and Crime. Howard Becker (1963) is held to be the architect of the modern labelling theory. In the early times, it was illegal. This part of the labelling theory has many policy implications. Firstly, according to Wellford (1975) the theory states that no acts are inherently criminal, and states that acts are only criminal when society considers them to be so. This theory also explains the behaviour of some people due to them being labelled at a young age. www.simplypsychology.org/labeling-theory.html. There is however no scientific study on the effects of the above factors. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 43(1), 67-88. Becoming a Marihuana User. (2007). Well occasionally send you promo and account related emails. Looking for a flexible role? Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. This essay will go on to show the origins of labelling theory, the theory itself and will show its strengths and weaknesses using various case-studies and examples. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. had bad storytelling and oratory skills were mocked. Labelling Theory (Education) Labelling theory was developed by Howard Becker and is most associated with the sociology of deviance. African American children, for example, are more likely to be seen as rrule-breakers by their parents than their white peers (Matsueda, 1992). Consistent with labeling theory, children whose parents see them as someone who gets into trouble or breaks rules and children who feel as if their friends, parents, and teachers see them as someone who gets into trouble or breaks rules tend to have higher levels of subsequent delinquency. He goes on to say that the murderer may have a conscience which will cause him to label himself or herself as a murderer. This self rejection attitude leads to the rejection of the norms of society and gives them a motive to deviate from conventional values of society. Because these boys are not considering the reactions of conventional others, they take each others roles, present motives for delinquency, and thus act delinquently (Matsueda, 1992). The delinquent adolescent misbehaves, the authority responds by treating the adolescent like someone who misbehaves, and the adolescent responds in turn by misbehaving again. The community will despise them, and they can even resort to shaming. 806 8067 22 Available: http://law.jrank.org/pages/817/Crime-Causation-Sociological-Theories-Labeling-theory.html#ixzz0cziNc0ZO. Labelling Theory Question Crime and Deviance 20 Marks , What does 'Evaluate labelling theories' mean? change the way others respond This interactionist perspective helps criminologists understand an individuals actions and reactions. Chiricos, T., Barrick, K., Bales, W., & Bontrager, S. (2007). Research has shown that many of the youth gangs who come from the lower class get arrested and are labelled further as criminals. Proponents of the theory of labels interpret deviant behavior not as a set of traits inherent in individuals or groups but as a process of interaction between deviants and non-deviants. criminals don't need labels to know . In the case of employed domestic violence suspects, the formal label of abuser and a threatened felony conviction may have severely costly implications for the future of their career; however, for those who are unemployed, this threat is less amplified. Because those with deviant labels can actively avoid interactions with so-called normals, they can experience smaller social networks and thus fewer opportunities and attempts to find legitimate, satisfying, higher-paying jobs (Link et. Misunderstanding labelling perspectives in key readings in criminology (ed Newburn, T) pgs 220-223. Crime in the making: Pathways and turning points through life: Harvard University Press. If the person views themselves as a criminal then the secondary deviant phase has begun. If the person views themselves as a criminal then the secondary deviant phase has begun. From a theoretical perspective, Matsueda drew on the behavioral principles of George Herbert Mead, which states that ones perception of themselves is formed by their interactions with others. Sherman, L. W., Smith, D. A., Schmidt, J. D., & Rogan, D. P. (1992). But as mentioned before, the individual or group may seek to rationalize their behaviour, thus avoiding the prospect of self labelling. He noticed that in some tribes, stuttering occurred among their members and their language mentioned stuttering. Disclaimer: This essay has been written by a law student and not by our expert law writers. This self rejection attitude leads to the rejection of the norms of society and gives them a motive to deviate from conventional values of society. Carter, M. J., & Fuller, C. (2016). Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE. This part of the labelling theory has many policy implications. Manage Settings Thirdly, labelling theory is supposed to cover all criminal activity and has an effect on everyone irrespective of their race, social class, sex and age (Becker, 1963). Those that were caught were persecuted as such. Goffman believes an individual is an actor, and society is the stage. Jones, S (2009). However, there are already inherent drawbacks with the drawbacks given by various individual sociologists. highlights the roll of media in discrimination. This effect is so profound that Becker states that individuals with this label begin to be associated with the word criminal. Becker (1953) wrote in his book, the Marijuana user, that the drug does not produce any addiction and that it has no withdraw sickness or any sort of substance that makes the user crave for the drug. Tannenbaum (1938) is widely regarded as the first labelling theorist. Travis, J. Disadvantages. In the early 1990s, the Chinese government frequently had political and social drives to deter crime and deviance through mobilizing the masses to punish deviants (Zhang, 1994b). It emphasizes the negative effects of labeling gives the offender a kind of victim status. 3 Pages. Before Matsueda (1992), researchers saw delinquency in adolescents as a factor of self-esteem, with mixed results. Labeling can lead to blocked opportunities, such as reduced education and instability in employment; and, the weak conventional ties resulting from this lack of opportunity can create a long-lasting effect on adult criminal behavior. Social control: An introduction: Polity.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'simplypsychology_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',863,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-simplypsychology_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'simplypsychology_org-leader-3','ezslot_23',864,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-simplypsychology_org-leader-3-0');Dunford, F. W., Huizinga, D., & Elliott, D. S. (1990). Sherman and Smith (1992) argued that this deterrence was caused by the increased stake in conformity employed domestic violence suspects have in comparison to those who are unemployed. Based on criminological literature, the labeling theory had influences from the following sociologists and their works: The Dramatization of Evil states that when an individual is described as a criminal, he eventually becomes one. The following strengths and weaknesses apply to the classical conditioning theory and behaviorism as a whole (Kompa, 2020). But if the juvenile has a bad relationship with his family, home changes its meaning altogether. Info: 2729 words (11 pages) Essay These are dependent upon the interpretation of those who enact those laws, like the courts and the police. Although there are many studies that validate it, there are none that can offer significant data in its support. Labelling can therefore be viewed within at least two contexts. In Handbook on crime and deviance (pp. This goes against the labelling theory, which states that labelling must come from a third party. Strengths Results can be reliably reproduced. Labelling theory is the theory that the public act in the way that society has labelled them, which gives negative connotations towards that person. We are very interested to know your opinion. In a similar vein, recidivism was also higher among partners in unmarried couples than those in married couples, unrestricted by the conventional bond of marriage. I studied journalism at the university, worked for media and digital agencies, and organized several events for ed-tech companies. Briar, S., & Piliavin, I. Labelling theorists studied the various interactions between the 'criminal' groups and individuals and the conformist society. Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1995). uk/curric/soc/crime/labelling/diakses pada, 10. This is due to the fact that people with low self esteem or a different/weak personality trait takes these drugs to show that they can handle it and want to rebel against society. Other theorists, such as Sampson and Laub (1990) have examined labeling theory in the context of social bonding theory. American Sociological Review, 609-627. Different audiences may have different reactions to a crime and thus the punishment and the labelling will vary even though the same crime is being committed. Fourthly, it matters on who the audience is comprised of, as the level of denouncement an individual feels depends on the audiences reaction to the act. They would be able to smoke it at one time and at others, they wont be able to. American Sociological Review, 202-215. He then went on to find that tribe that had stuttering, placed a very high meaning and emphasis on storytelling and oratory skills. There is however no scientific study on the effects of the above factors. The most frequent use would be recreational. Bernburg, J. G., Krohn, M. D., & Rivera, C. J. Howard Becker is an American sociologist who produced Outsiders in 1963 that talks about the Sociology of Deviance. There was little consistent empirical evidence for labeling theory (the evidence that did exist was methodologically flawed), and critics believed that labeling theory was vague, simplistic and ideologically motivated. Criminology, 45(3), 547-581. Labeling in the Classroom, 7 secondary deviance: the reaction society has to the individual now identified as being a criminal (Lilly, Cully, & Ball, 2007). They then accept themselves as being criminal as use it to counter (either by moving with similar peer groups or by other means) societys reaction to the initial act. The central feature of labeling theory is the. Youths are especially vulnerable to labelling theory. And How to Strengthen Them specialization The second is known as the Secondary deviance phase. Labeling Theory The theory of labeling is defined as a view of deviance. 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