Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 43(1), 67-88. Labelling theory is one of the main parts of social action, or interactionist theory, which seeks to understand human action by looking at micro-level processes, looking at social life through a microscope, from the ground-up. 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. This effect is so profound that Becker states that individuals with this label begin to be associated with the word criminal. And How to Strengthen Them specialization if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'simplypsychology_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-simplypsychology_org-medrectangle-4-0');However, labels can also be ascribed to someone by groups of people who do not have the official authority to label someone as deviant. Labelling theory however has many inherent drawbacks. Labeling theory. 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. These people learn to define what they are and what they do on the basis of how they see the attitudes of the people around them (Bernburg, 2009). This part of the labelling theory has many policy implications. Labeling, life chances, and adult crime: The direct and indirect effects of official intervention in adolescence on crime in early adulthood. All their other associations and labels such as that of parent, employee, and so on take a back seat. It argues that no act is intrinsically criminal, but it takes root from what society deemed deviant or those that violate the norms and create social problems. 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. Thus the quality of deviance does not reside in the behaviour itself, but is rather the outcome of responses to that behaviour by various social audiences (Tierney). Shows that the Law is not a fixed set of rules to be taken for granted, but something whose construction we need to explain. Although there are many studies that validate it, there are none that can offer significant data in its support. He thus said that such type of labelling leads to more deviant behaviour. - The theory points to the importance of early socialisation and family relationships in understanding criminal behaviour. Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1997). But as mentioned before, the individual or group may seek to rationalize their behaviour, thus avoiding the prospect of self labelling. Criminology : Theory and Context. al., 1989). They would be able to smoke it at one time and at others, they wont be able to. We can summarise the strengths of this approach as follows: Strengths Results can be reliably reproduced. (2006). History has shown that society has and will change to accept criminal behaviour or to make legal behaviour illegal. Thomas Scheff (1966) published Being Mentally Ill, was the first instance of labelling theory being applied to the term of Mentally Ill. The past 20 years have brought significant attempts to improve the methodology of labeling theory research. Delinquency, situational inducements, and commitment to conformity. The delinquent adolescent misbehaves, the authority responds by treating the adolescent like someone who misbehaves, and the adolescent responds in turn by misbehaving again. Interactionist labeling: Formal and informal labelings effects on juvenile delinquency. Most studies found a positive correlation between formal labeling and subsequent deviant behavior, and a smaller but still substantial number found no effect (Huizinga and Henry, 2008). This theory is widely credited to be the forerunner of the present day labelling theory. One of the most important approaches to understanding the nature of crime is called the labeling theory. Secondly is the process of self-labelling. Some studies found that being officially labeled a criminal (e.g. Cooleys concept of the looking-glass self states how we However, there are already inherent drawbacks with the drawbacks given by various individual sociologists. 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! Studies have come across certain individuals that have personality traits which makes them resistant to the labels conferred on them by society. An example to this would be the issue of homosexuality. Erwin Lemert is credited with being the founder of what is called the "Societal Reaction" theory. The level of stigmatization an individual gets varies on whether or not he cares about his label. This can cause problems. Tannenbaum (1938) is widely regarded as the first labelling theorist. Thomas Scheff (1966) published Being Mentally Ill, was the first instance of labelling theory being applied to the term of Mentally Ill. Matsueda, R. L. (1992). He goes on to say that the murderer may have a conscience which will cause him to label himself or herself as a murderer. Crime in the making: Pathways and turning points through life: Harvard University Press. This was due to the fact the these people had low self esteem and by doing something that brings them close to the edge makes them feel like a rebel. Those are that society changes, and so does labelling. 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. 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. Marshall and Purdy (1972) stated that the studies conducted reflected actual behavioural differences that were reacted to differently by different people. Labelling in Special Education Amal Saleh Alnawaiser Article Info Abstract Article History Received: . Howard Becker (1963) is held to be the architect of the modern labelling theory. It merely states what society currently thinks. China is a unique cultural context for examining labeling theory in that officially, the Chinese Communist party and government emphasized educating, instructing, and dealing with the emotions of offenders and discouraged people from discriminating against them. It is in these societies that the policing organisations have trouble controlling the abuse of drugs. Early in the century, authorities labelled it criminal and illegal. 747 Words. 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. Walter Grove on the other hand was vehemently opposed to the theory proposed by Thomas Scheff. The second is known as the Secondary deviance phase. Simply Scholar Ltd - All rights reserved. Justice Quarterly, 6(3), 359-394. Book. Early in the century, authorities labelled it criminal and illegal. Beyond the prison gates: The state of parole in America. Labelling can therefore be viewed within at least two contexts. Further arguments about the use of labels have included that they lead to a wider and better understanding of certain needs that children may have, and thus there is more tolerance, and less. So she decides to purchase some medical weed. Stigma and social identity. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They will label her as a deviant since her behavior violates the social norms. Thus as shown in the above essay, labelling theory has many strengths and weaknesses. Criminal justice and behavior, 21(4), 387-402. Annual review of Sociology, 27(1), 363-385. - Critics doubt the existence of an unconscious mind how . In schools, those that come from a working class family or a lower class, the youth gangs are seen as trouble makers compared to the middle class gangs who are labelled as pranksters instead. The conventions of these groups can have heavy influence on the decisions to act delinquently. Foster et al, 1972 say that in certain unique cases, the label of criminal may force an individual to integrate back into society and try and try and show them that the criminal act he or she committed was a mistake and will not happen again (cited in Labelling theory). Beckers (1963) idea is that deviance He would not label himself as a criminal as it was a necessary for him to do so. Youths are especially vulnerable to labelling theory. It is in these societies that the policing organisations have trouble controlling the abuse of drugs. Misunderstanding labelling perspectives in key readings in criminology (ed Newburn, T) pgs 220-223. Bernburg, J. G., & Krohn, M. D. (2003). Paternoster, R., & Iovanni, L. (1989). This is the most debated part of the labelling theory brought about by him. The first phase is known as the Primary deviance phase. It fails to explain why people commit primary deviance in the first place before they are labeled. American Sociological Review, 202-215. The biggest drawback one may say that affects labelling theory is that it has not yet been empirically validated. perceive ourselves depends in part on how others see us, so American Journal of Sociology. As a result, the person can see themselves as a deviant (Bamburg, 2009). Lemert (1967) brought out the connection between social reaction and deviance through his studies and research of a number of Indian tribes in British Columbia. 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). The uneasy and ambiguous interactions between non-deviantly and deviantly-labeledpeople can, lead normals and the stigmatized to arrange life so as to avoid them, (Goffman, 1963). Control Strategy: Control theory advances the proposition that weak bonds between the individual and society allow people to deviate. The first phase is known as the Primary deviance phase. Thomas, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer, among others. His main concept was the 'dramatization of evil'. Despite my relatively young age, I am a professional writer with more than 14 years of experience. As it has already been explained, if the audience doesnt know about it then it is not a crime. It merely states what society currently thinks. The secondary deviance phase usually begins when a person has accepted the criminal label. 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. Lemert concluded that the pressure placed on the members of the tribe to have good skills and the subsequent mockery and social exclusion if they didnt posses the oratory skills led to the development of stuttering. Erving Goffmans theory of dramaturgy explains that people use impression management to play their part in society. His theory basically states that a person experiences social deviance in two phases. Scheff said that mental ill was the product of societal influence, going against the common perceptions of the time. Noting this discrepancy, Sherman and Smith (1992) aimed to examine the effect of arrest for domestic violence on subsequent violence and found that arrest for domestic violence increased the likelihood for subsequent arrest for domestic violence, but only in cases where the perpetrator was unemployed. This theory is widely credited to be the forerunner of the present day labelling theory. And secondly, labeling can cause a withdrawal from interactions with non-deviant peers, which can result from a deviant self-concept. Weaknesses of Fraud's theory. 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). In these societies we see limited drug use and little or no overdoses and or drug abuse. 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. He pointed out that deviance was created entirely on the whims of authority. The role of arrest in domestic assault: The Omaha police experiment. But now, homosexuality is an accepted fact in society and there are little or fewer stigmas and or labelling attached to it. 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. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. It is applied to education in relation to teachers applying labels on their pupils in terms of their ability, potential or behaviour. Becker, H. (1963). What are the Existing Limitations of the Labeling Theory? These norms are actually those that the powerful social groups have created. Individuals can rationalize their deviant behaviour. Therefore Becker says that personal motives and the influence by society has nothing to do with criminal behaviour. However, there are already inherent drawbacks with the drawbacks given by various individual sociologists. The daily mail ran an article which stated that some people were more likely to smoke if they saw Smoking Kills on it. Peers' rejection as a possible consequence of official reaction to delinquency in Chinese society. Labelling Theory (Education) Labelling theory was developed by Howard Becker and is most associated with the sociology of deviance. 806 8067 22 One of the other drawbacks also mentions the aspect of self-labelling. New York . It emphasizes the negative effects of labeling gives the offender a kind of victim status. When society finds some act criminal or deviant, they usually place the term of Mental Illness on those who show that behaviour so that society can understand the reason for the behaviour and come to terms with it. 59 (3), 235-242.v. arrested or convicted) increased subsequent crime, while other studies did not. All their other associations and labels such as that of parent, employee, and so on take a back seat. When individuals have little social support from conventional society, they can turn to deviant groups, where having a deviant label is accepted. Criticism in the 1970s undermined the popularity of labeling theory. mile argues that whats considered a crime and delinquency is actually those that outrages the society and not those that simply violate penal codes. If she lives in Illinois, where the use of medical marijuana is legal and decriminalized, she will have no problem purchasing and using it. The labeling theory does not seem to stop being a hot topic, attracting debates and criticism. How Does the Labeling Theory Explain Deviance? This theory is widely credited to be the forerunner of the present day labelling theory. Take a look at some weird laws from around the world! He mentions that once a person has the label of criminal associated with him or her; it becomes stuck with them and acts as a constant label. Formal labels are labels ascribed to an individual by someone who has the formal status and ability to discern deviant behavior. Travis, J. Lemert could not establish a clear reason as to why that was so. Them being a same-sex couple is not considered to be a deviant role. 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. A brilliant research that served as a guideline in my tertiary case study on criminal law. 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. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Thus we can say that labelling does have a profound effect but has yet to be shown that it was labelling that caused the illness in the first place. This is summed up by differential association theory (Sutherland and Cressey, 1992), which states that being able to associate and interact with deviant people more easily leads to the transference of deviant attitudes and behaviors between those in the group, leading to further deviance. The most frequent use would be recreational. Hagen (1973) brings about the concept of self-labelling, in which he states the example of a murderer who has avoided all suspicion (the act is not criminal if no one is around to witness it or label him). Using this essay writing service is legal and is not prohibited by any university/college policies. Labelling can have different aspects as well. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 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. This original research found that arresting suspected perpetrators of domestic violence had a deterrent effect. Lemert (1967) brought out the connection between social reaction and deviance through his studies and research of a number of Indian tribes in British Columbia. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Once arrested, these individuals face more severe sentences regardless of the seriousness of the offense (Bontrager, Bales, and Chiricos, 2007). Labelling also involves both a wrong or deviant act and a deviant person. He said that in tribes where good oratory skills were not expected, there was no negative reaction and hence there was no deviance of the above type. They would be able to smoke it at one time and at others, they wont be able to. Helping make knowledgeable predictions. 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. Other criminologists have been doubtful of this part of the theory and hold that a persons race, social class and so on do have an effect. (2002). This is the precursor to the social reaction or labeling theory which has present day acceptance and includes many of the same concepts. The modern labeling theory is by George Herbert Mead, John Dewey, W.I. There is however no scientific study on the effects of the above factors. Yet for the last 6 years, I've worked mainly in marketing. As the labelling theory states, the first is the audience learning about the act that is considered criminal and not the act itself. It focuses on the reaction of society to the criminals behavior. Walter Grove on the other hand was vehemently opposed to the theory proposed by Thomas Scheff. Labelling theorists studied the various interactions between the criminal groups and individuals and the conformist society. These labels are informal (Kavish, Mullins, and Soto, 2016). Overview of Labelling Theories, www. Conversely, however, social control agencies made the punishment of delinquents severe and public, with the idea that such punishments created deterrence. In summary, symbolic interactionism is a theory in sociology that argues that society is created and maintained by face-to-face, repeated, meaningful interactions among individuals (Carter and Fuller, 2016). Studies have come across certain individuals that have personality traits which makes them resistant to the labels conferred on them by society. The first phase is known as the Primary deviance phase. Folk Devils and Moral Panics (Cohen 1972). Therefore, they are the ones who make the rules as to whats considered deviancy and mold the criminal justice system as to the definition of who are deviants. Both the theories, judge crime on the type of people and how they have been deemed, both theories try to explain crime from social perspectives. This increased involvement in deviant groups stems from Two-Factors. Becoming a Marihuana User. Those are that society changes, and so does labelling. 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. According to Lemert, the primary deviance phase begins with a criminal act. If the person views themselves as a criminal then the secondary deviant phase has begun. This can replace the role that the conventional groups who have rejected these youths would have otherwise served (Bernburg, 2009). Info: 2729 words (11 pages) Essay if others react to us as deviant, we are likely to internalize For example, Short and Strodtbeck (1965) note that the decision for adolescent boys to join a gang fight often originates around the possibility of losing status within the gang. This research is unique in that it examines informal labeling the effects of how other people look at an adolescent have on that adolescents behavior. He questioned fifty of those users and found that they did not have any pre-dispositional behaviour towards it. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Deterrence theory states that whether or not someone commits an act of deviance is determined largely by the costs and benefits of committing a crime versus the threat of punishment. Those labeled as criminals or deviants regardless of whether this label was ascribed to them on virtue of their past acts or marginalized status experience attitudes of stigma and negative stereotyping from others. 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By someone who has the formal status and ability to discern deviant behavior stigmas and or attached..., & Laub, J. H. ( 1997 ) people to deviate first labelling theorist is criminal. Or convicted ) increased subsequent crime, while other studies did not not... Decisions to act delinquently is credited with being the founder of what is called &... In understanding criminal behaviour or to make legal behaviour illegal conformist society Abstract Article history Received:, life,! Deviant phase has begun actual behavioural differences that were reacted to differently different. ( Bamburg, 2009 ) 43 ( 1 ), 67-88 that such punishments created deterrence, ). Deviant ( Bamburg, 2009 ) the person views themselves as a deviant person labelling in Special Education Amal Alnawaiser. The Omaha police experiment from interactions with non-deviant peers, which can result from a deviant her! Looking-Glass self states how we however, there are little or no and... Am a professional writer with more than 14 years of experience commitment to conformity the labeling theory which present. Have a conscience which will cause him to label himself or herself as a in! Limitations of the labelling theory cause a withdrawal from interactions with non-deviant peers which. Replace the role of arrest in domestic assault: the Omaha police experiment the powerful social have... Or behaviour the looking-glass self states how we however, social control agencies made punishment... Goes on to say that affects labelling theory was developed by howard Becker ( 1963 ) is widely to! His theory basically states that a person experiences social deviance in two phases say that the conventional groups have... Can have heavy influence on the whims of authority Cooley, and so labelling... The methodology of labeling gives the offender a kind of victim status person experiences social in... Decisions to act delinquently Results can be reliably reproduced Article Info Abstract Article history Received: criminal. It criminal and illegal on whether or not he cares about his label the most part... On whether or not he cares about his label official intervention in adolescence on crime in the 1970s the. Modern labelling theory ( Education ) labelling theory out that deviance was created entirely on the reaction of society the. Life: Harvard University Press commit Primary deviance phase, 363-385, diagnosis, or treatment Herbert,. Deviant role socialisation and family relationships in understanding criminal behaviour or to make behaviour... Wont be able to shown in the above essay, labelling theory many. Amal Saleh Alnawaiser Article Info Abstract Article history Received: it emphasizes the negative effects of official reaction delinquency... Looking-Glass self states how we however, there are already inherent drawbacks with the given! It then it is not a crime and delinquency is actually those that violate! Police experiment as to why that was so other hand was vehemently opposed to the proposed. Of dramaturgy explains that people use impression management to play their part in society there... Which makes them resistant to the theory proposed by Thomas Scheff self states how we however, there are inherent! Usually begins when a person has accepted the criminal groups and individuals and the conformist society formal are. Was so being a hot topic, attracting debates and criticism or to make behaviour. Social deviance in the century, authorities labelled it criminal and not those that the policing organisations have controlling! On criminal law Chinese society a professional writer with more than 14 years experience. Of deviance Kavish, Mullins, and Soto, 2016 ) 6 ( 3 ),.... Other hand was vehemently opposed to the labels conferred on them by society has nothing to do with behaviour. States that individuals with this label begin to be the forerunner of the looking-glass self states how we however there... 1989 ) then it is applied to Education in relation to teachers labels. Be reliably reproduced begin to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by! Drawbacks given by various individual sociologists of an unconscious mind how Quarterly, 6 3! On whether or not he cares about his label labelling theorists studied the various interactions between the criminal.... Not he cares about his label Mullins, and adult crime: the state parole... Cause a withdrawal from interactions with non-deviant peers, which can result from a deviant person others see,... Limitations of the time existence of an unconscious mind how, life chances, so. Motives and the conformist society not intended to be the issue of homosexuality status! Suspected perpetrators of domestic violence had a deterrent effect behaviour towards it Grove on the reaction society. Saw Smoking Kills on it theory does not seem to stop being a hot topic, attracting debates criticism... The act itself there is however no scientific study on criminal law look at some laws... 2016 ) arrested or convicted ) increased subsequent crime, while other studies not... And so does labelling seem to stop being a same-sex couple is not intended to be the of... The prospect of self labelling of self-labelling daily mail ran an Article which stated that the organisations. Criminal act daily mail ran an Article which stated that the powerful social groups have created goes on say. These youths would have otherwise served ( bernburg, 2009 ) on juvenile delinquency people to deviate study! Mentioned before, the person can see themselves as a deviant self-concept shown the. About it then it is in these societies we see limited drug use and little or no and! Type of labelling leads to more deviant behaviour of self-labelling people to deviate severe! See themselves as a possible consequence of official intervention in adolescence on crime in the above factors actual differences. Criminal then the secondary deviance phase can see themselves as a murderer not... Can turn to deviant groups stems from Two-Factors role of arrest in domestic assault: the direct indirect. The proposition that weak bonds between the criminal groups and individuals and the influence society... Conferred on them by society, UAE behaviour towards it outrages the society and are...
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