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Questions and Answers
What does labeling theory suggest about the nature of deviance?
What is the implication of primary deviance according to Edwin Lemert?
What effect does being labeled as a 'criminal' have on an individual's self-concept?
What is referred to as 'master status' in labeling theory?
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How does stigma relate to labeling theory?
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What do Akers and Sellers argue as a strength of labeling theory?
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What does the concept of secondary deviance entail?
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What consequence does the labeling process have on opportunities for labeled individuals?
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Study Notes
Labeling Theory
- Developed by: Rooted in Symbolic Interactionism by George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley
- Major contributors: Howard Becker, Edwin Lemert
Core Concepts of Labeling Theory
- Social Reaction to Crime: Deviance is not inherent in an act but a label applied by society.
- Key Point: Societal reactions, including law enforcement, media, and community, shape criminal behavior.
Primary and Secondary Deviance (Edwin Lemert)
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Primary Deviance: Initial, often minor rule-breaking with little or no attention.
- Implication: The person might not see themselves as deviant after the act.
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Secondary Deviance: More serious, sustained deviant behavior, resulting from the societal reaction to primary deviance.
- Key Point: Individuals labeled as deviant may internalize the label and act accordingly, reinforcing their criminal identity.
Self-Concept and Deviant Identity
- Individuals labeled as "criminals" or "deviants" may accept this as their identity.
- Key Point: Social exclusion, limited opportunities, and association with other deviants reinforce deviant behavior.
- Implication: Labels contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy, aligning behavior with the given label.
Master Status (Howard Becker)
- A label becomes the dominant characteristic defining a person.
- Key Point: The "criminal" or "deviant" label overshadows other roles, solidifying the deviant status.
Stigma (Erving Goffman)
- Disapproval or discrimination due to characteristics that deviate from societal norms.
- Key Point: Labeling leads to stigmatization, isolating individuals from mainstream society.
Evaluation of Labeling Theory by Akers and Sellers
Strengths
- Focus on Social Reaction: Shifts attention from individual acts to the social processes that define crime and deviance.
- Critique of the Criminal Justice System: Highlights the system's role in contributing to crime by stigmatizing and marginalizing individuals.
- Explains Recidivism: Clarifies how labeling leads to an escalation of deviant behavior through secondary deviance.
Limitations
- Lack of Explanation for Primary Deviance: Less focused on the causes of initial deviant behavior.
- Overemphasis on Labeling: Critics argue not everyone labeled as deviant accepts or internalizes the label.
- Ignores Agency: Inadequate explanation for individuals who resist or overcome deviant labels.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of Labeling Theory, which posits that deviance stems from societal labels rather than inherent actions. Learn about primary and secondary deviance, and how societal reactions shape individual identities and behaviors within the criminal context.
