11 Questions
What is the term for the process where an individual continues to engage in deviant behavior due to the label and stigma attached to them?
Secondary deviation
According to labeling theory, which of the following can lead to further problems and deviance?
The stigma attached to mental illness
What is labeling theory focused on?
How social reactions influence self-identity and future actions
What is a criticism of labeling theory?
It oversimplifies the causes of deviance and crime
What is primary deviation?
The initial act of deviance or misbehavior
What is an example of how labeling theory can be applied?
Juvenile delinquency
What is the master status?
The dominant label overriding other aspects of an individual's personality
What is a limitation of labeling theory?
It lacks empirical evidence to support it
How does labelling affect an individual's self-identity?
It influences them to internalize the label
What is the result of the labelling process?
The individual is more likely to continue deviant behavior
What occurs after the individual is labelled as deviant?
The stigma becomes attached to their identity
Study Notes
What is Labelling Theory?
- A sociological theory that suggests people become deviant or criminal because of the labels or stigmas attached to them by society
- Focuses on how social reactions to an individual's behavior can influence their self-identity and future actions
Key Concepts:
- Labeling: The process of assigning a negative label or stigma to an individual or group
- Primary Deviation: The initial act of deviance or misbehavior
- Secondary Deviation: The continued deviance or criminal behavior resulting from the label or stigma attached to the individual
- Master Status: The dominant label or identity that overrides other aspects of an individual's personality or identity
How Labelling Theory Works:
- Deviance is created: An individual commits a primary deviation, which is noticed by others
- Labelling occurs: The individual is labelled as deviant or criminal by society, authorities, or peers
- Stigma is attached: The label or stigma becomes attached to the individual's identity
- Self-identity is influenced: The individual internalizes the label and begins to see themselves as deviant or criminal
- Secondary deviation: The individual continues to engage in deviant or criminal behavior, reinforcing the label and stigma
Examples and Applications:
- Juvenile delinquency: Labelling theory can be applied to understand how young offenders are treated and how this treatment affects their future behavior
- Mental illness: The stigma attached to mental illness can lead to further problems and deviance
- Racial profiling: The labelling of certain racial groups as criminal or deviant can lead to further discrimination and deviance
Criticisms and Limitations:
- Oversimplification: Labelling theory may oversimplify the complex causes of deviance and crime
- Lack of empirical evidence: Some argue that there is limited empirical evidence to support the theory
- Ignores individual agency: Labelling theory may neglect the individual's role in their own deviance and criminal behavior
Understand how labelling theory explains how society's labels and stigmas can influence individual behavior and self-identity. Learn about primary and secondary deviation, master status, and the application of labelling theory in various contexts.
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