What is the Labeling Theory?
The labeling theory is defined as the theory of how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. We are or we become what others think we are.
This theory was developed by Howard Sual Becker during the 1960's in his book titled: The Outsiders.
"Labeling theory as an explanation of criminal and deviant behavior is derived from symbolic interactionism theory in sociology. In symbolic interactionism, an individual's identity and self concept, cognitive processes, values, and attitudes are seen as existing only in the context of society acting, reacting, and changing in social interactions with others" (Akers & Sellers. 2009. Pg. 152).
Essentially, we are what we behave as. Labeling theory applies a label to an individual based on what they have done in society. The theory treats the application of sanctions and stigmatizing labels, with such names as "criminal", "dope fiend", "crazy person", and delinquent", and an independent variable fostering criminal and deviant behavior (Becker, 1963).
This theory was developed by Howard Sual Becker during the 1960's in his book titled: The Outsiders.
"Labeling theory as an explanation of criminal and deviant behavior is derived from symbolic interactionism theory in sociology. In symbolic interactionism, an individual's identity and self concept, cognitive processes, values, and attitudes are seen as existing only in the context of society acting, reacting, and changing in social interactions with others" (Akers & Sellers. 2009. Pg. 152).
Essentially, we are what we behave as. Labeling theory applies a label to an individual based on what they have done in society. The theory treats the application of sanctions and stigmatizing labels, with such names as "criminal", "dope fiend", "crazy person", and delinquent", and an independent variable fostering criminal and deviant behavior (Becker, 1963).
The Criminal/Deliquent
According to Becker, when an individual is given such a label, he or she believes that they must become what society perceives them to be. The theory claims that labeling a persons deviant and applying social sanctions to them in the of punishment or corrective treatment increases or "amplifies", rather than decreases. (Akers & Sellers. 2009). The central point of the labeling perspective is that negative labels encourage negative behavior rather than deter negative behavior.
In labeling theory, this deviant role and self-concept provide the principal link between the stigmatizating labels and future deviant behavior. Accroding to the labeling theory, juveniles are more than likely to live up to their labels. When society has deemed you as a criminal, you began to believe it and therefore you must master the title.
Once an individual is stigmatize with a certain label, it is hard to remove the label. The "criminal" subconciously is viewed as an outsider by society. They become a part of a different social group that it frowned upon by society.
In labeling theory, this deviant role and self-concept provide the principal link between the stigmatizating labels and future deviant behavior. Accroding to the labeling theory, juveniles are more than likely to live up to their labels. When society has deemed you as a criminal, you began to believe it and therefore you must master the title.
Once an individual is stigmatize with a certain label, it is hard to remove the label. The "criminal" subconciously is viewed as an outsider by society. They become a part of a different social group that it frowned upon by society.
Primary and Secondary Deviance
The continuance of deviance in a more coherent, organized fashion is one of secondary deviance created by societal reaction and by stigmatizing labels. The concept itself refers to a special class of socially defined responses which people make to problems created by the societal reaction to their deviance.
"The creation of secondary deviance can be caused not only by labeling individuals but by banning whole categories of behavior. For example, a boy labeled as delinquent make take on a more delinquent self-identity, join a delinquent gang, develop secondary deviant patterns to avoid future detection and sanctio, become even tougher, and engage in a wider range of delinquent activities" (Akers & Sellers. 2009. Pg. 157)
Secondary deviance is produced when deviants engage in additional deviant behavior.
Primary Deviance is the engagement is deviant behavior.
Primary deviance takes place first. It is the stepping stone to what could possibly be the development of further deviant behavior. Primary deviance is importance becuase it is the first stage of deviant behavior.
"The creation of secondary deviance can be caused not only by labeling individuals but by banning whole categories of behavior. For example, a boy labeled as delinquent make take on a more delinquent self-identity, join a delinquent gang, develop secondary deviant patterns to avoid future detection and sanctio, become even tougher, and engage in a wider range of delinquent activities" (Akers & Sellers. 2009. Pg. 157)
Secondary deviance is produced when deviants engage in additional deviant behavior.
Primary Deviance is the engagement is deviant behavior.
Primary deviance takes place first. It is the stepping stone to what could possibly be the development of further deviant behavior. Primary deviance is importance becuase it is the first stage of deviant behavior.