Criminology Labeling Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does labeling theory propose?

Social interactions can lead to criminal behavior. (correct)

Labeling an individual as a criminal has no effect on their actions.

Individuals are always responsible for their criminal actions.

Society influences a person's behavior and actions. (correct)

Labeling theory focuses primarily on the individual's personal behavior.

False

Who introduced the concepts of primary and secondary deviance?

Edwin Lemert

What is primary deviance?

General deviant actions perceived as insignificant. Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary deviance?

Deviance resulting from labeling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key concept of labeling theory?

Labeling can encourage criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

The origins of labeling theory lie in Frank Tannenbaum's book titled _____ and the Community.

Crime Signup and view all the answers

What do most criminological theories focus on?

Offender's behavior and actions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Labeling Theory

Labeling theory posits that societal labels, such as "criminal," influence an individual's identity and behavior, leading to increased likelihood of criminal actions.
Originated from Frank Tannenbaum's work, Crime and the Community, emphasizing the impact of societal reactions on offenders.
Deviance is defined as behavior that violates societal norms; labeling theory highlights how negative societal interactions can exacerbate criminal tendencies.
Primarily affects juveniles, as labeling can encourage them to embrace delinquent roles after being tagged for minor offenses.

Long-term Effects on Criminals

Long-time offenders may struggle to discard criminal identities, making rehabilitation challenging.
Adolescents are more adaptable and can be guided to understand and reject criminal behavior.
The U.S. criminal justice system aims to mitigate labeling effects by diverting youth offenders to detention centers and imposing community service rather than jail time.

Contributions by Edwin Lemert

Lemert expanded labeling theory by introducing two forms of deviance: primary and secondary deviance.
Primary deviance refers to initial, minor deviant acts that do not alter one's self-perception; often seen as insignificant.
Secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalize societal labels (e.g., "thief") and identify with their stigma, perpetuating further criminal behavior.

Comparison with Other Criminological Theories

Unlike traditional criminological theories that focus on the offender’s actions, labeling theory highlights external influences from the offender's social environment.
Key social actors impacting criminal behavior include law enforcement, family, peers, and community members; their negative perceptions can lead to criminal identity formation.
The labeling process fosters an environment where individuals adapt and conform to the labels imposed by society, reinforcing criminal behavior.

Description

Explore the essential concepts of Labeling Theory in Criminology through these flashcards. Understand how societal labels influence an individual's behavior and choices, leading to a cycle of crime. Perfect for students studying criminological social process theories.