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Questions and Answers
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?
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?
According to labeling theory, which of the following can lead to further problems and deviance?
According to labeling theory, which of the following can lead to further problems and deviance?
What is labeling theory focused on?
What is labeling theory focused on?
What is a criticism of labeling theory?
What is a criticism of labeling theory?
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What is primary deviation?
What is primary deviation?
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What is an example of how labeling theory can be applied?
What is an example of how labeling theory can be applied?
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What is the master status?
What is the master status?
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What is a limitation of labeling theory?
What is a limitation of labeling theory?
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How does labelling affect an individual's self-identity?
How does labelling affect an individual's self-identity?
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What is the result of the labelling process?
What is the result of the labelling process?
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What occurs after the individual is labelled as deviant?
What occurs after the individual is labelled as deviant?
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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
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Description
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.
