Taking a Look at the Labeling Theory - 909 Words

The labeling theory is one of the critical perspective sociological theories of crime. Labeling theory was the first of the critical perspectives and like the other critical perspectives, it considers defining crime, as well as applying a label to those who commit what is defined as a crime to be problematic. Among the issues addressed by labeling theory are defining deviance based on primary deviance through implementing a label on the offender, discrimination by formal institutions, as well as the public based on what is defined as deviance, and continued deviance based on the label placed on offenders, which is known as secondary deviance in the labeling theory. Unlike traditional theories of deviance that use an absolute definition of deviance, labeling theory is centered on a relative definition of deviance. Using this relative definition of deviance, labeling theorists consider deviance to be a result of the public’s perception of a behavior, rather than an actual trait of the behavior. Howard S. Becker, an originator of labeling theory, offers one of most often quoted statements related to the theory. Becker’s (1963) Outsiders states: Social groups 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 anShow MoreRelatedDeviance, The Opposite Of Conforming Norms And Norms845 Words   |  4 PagesDeviance is the opposite of conforming to norms in society. They are different levels of conforming. Norms can be found through means or goals, but however you do this you can describe it as a specific level of deviance or lack thereof. One way you could look at deviance is innovation. My innovation has caused me to go about means differently than others. I take summer dual credit and the maximum dual credit I can take anytime so that I can accomplish my goal: cheaper under-graduation and early admissionRead MoreLabeling Theory And Its Effect On Society1141 Words   |  5 Pagesother item that we want to know more about what is contained within a package. The theory of labeling provides the same information about people, their involvement within daily life, and the ways that they behave. The main arguments within the labeling theory is that we need to as a society focus on the behavior of individuals that are labeling others as oppose to those who are committing crimes. Labeling theory argues that it is these efforts at social control that ultimately trigger the processesRead MoreLabeling theory is closely related to social-construction and symbolic-interaction analysis. It1000 Words   |  4 PagesLabeling theory is closely related to social-construction and symbolic-interaction analysis. It means that deviance is not a natural tendency of an individual, but instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. The theory is based off how people tend to own u p to what society claims them to be. The theory came about during the 1960s and 1970s. A lot of the theory’s symptoms are still noticeable today. Labeling theoryRead MoreWhy Law Abiding Citizens Should Care About The Treatment Of Criminals Essay1213 Words   |  5 PagesWhile taking part in a ride along and attending a deviance class this semester the question of why law-abiding citizens should care about the treatment of criminals has been raised quiet often. If they were not following the law than why should anyone care what kind of treatment they receive? They knew that if they got caught for their actions they would not be treated kindly. It should not concern those that are not related to the offender, so why does it matter? All of these statements could beRead MoreDeviance Theory Analysis Essay1564 Words   |  7 PagesDeviance Theory Analysis - Identify Deviance for situations and explain Within any given society, individuals are expected to behave and or conduct themselves in a given acceptable manner. However, there are instances when particular individuals act contrary to the set standards and violate the cultural norms. Such acts may include acts of crime, theft, defiance, breaking of rules, and truancy just to mention a few. Deviance could thus be viewed as the intentional or accidental violation of theRead MoreApplying the Labeling Perspective to the Alleged Abuse of the CSSA, as Well as Causes and Consequences1427 Words   |  6 Pagesthat there is alleged abuse of CSSA. They pointed out that the recipients are lazy, and are dependent on social welfare. This phenomenon can be explained by the labeling theory. I am going to apply the labeling perspective to the alleged abuse of CSSA, and illustrate the causes and consequences. According to Howard Becker’s labeling theory, ‘deviance is not a quality of the act person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an â€Å"offender†.’ (Becker 1995:186)Read MoreGender Norms And Female Deviance Essay1250 Words   |  5 PagesNorms in society are the expectations of actions in specific situations. Social norms keep human social relations and behavior stable. Norms are â€Å"rules† that have developed within a particular society taking into account its values, culture and way of living. Sometimes, it is even the case that individuals do not have a choice and rarely recognize that fact that social norms have arbitrary origins because they have experienced this during the ongoing process of living (Clinard and Meyer 2011:10)Read MoreEssay on Columbine Shooters1232 Words   |  5 Pages2000) Luzadder, Dan and Vaughan, Kevin. â€Å"Inside Columbine Investigation† Denver Rocky Mountain News (19 December 1999 ) This paper is going to explore what effect the labeling theory had in regards to the tragedy at Columbine High School. Were these two students labeled, to what extent and how if any did this labeling affect the events that took place in Jefferson county that fateful day. The events that took place April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School caused shock, horror and deepRead MoreRace And Ethnicity, Racial, Ethnic, And Race1148 Words   |  5 Pagesseeing and understanding the world around us. Race and ethnicity can deem you as one belonging to a group, or as an outsider, Racism places a negative impact on society as a whole. One theoretical aspect involves both conflict functionalist, and the labeling approaching, when observing racism. Sociologist observe how each of these theoretical aspects play its very own role in the outcome of racism and prejudices. One theoretical aspect is the conflict perspective, when someone decides to view the socialRead MoreLabeling Theories And Labeling Theory3093 Words   |  13 PagesLabeling 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