Sociology of Labeling Theory

Questions and Answers

What is Labeling Theory?

Criminal behavior is purely an individual choice.

Labels have no impact on behavior.

All acts of deviance are planned and intentional.

Individuals form their self-identity based on societal labels. (correct)

What is external labeling?

Labeling by other people

What does internal labeling refer to?

Thinking about how others see you and starting to believe their views.

Who is Howard S. Becker?

A sociologist who argued that social groups create deviance. Signup and view all the answers

What is Social Deviance?

Any transgression of socially established norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is Primary Deviance?

The first act of rule breaking that incurs a label of 'deviant'. Signup and view all the answers

What is Secondary Deviance?

Deviant acts occurring after primary deviance due to the new deviant label. Signup and view all the answers

What is Broken Windows Theory of Deviance?

A theory explaining how societal views affect individual behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Looking Glass Self?

An idea that how others see us shapes our self-perception. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Generalized Other refer to?

A general idea of how people or the world are. Signup and view all the answers

What is stigma?

A negative social label that alters behaviors and self-concept. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Labeling Theory

Individuals subconsciously notice how others perceive and label them, shaping their self-identity.
Being labeled as deviant can lead to increased deviant behavior as individuals internalize these labels.

External Labeling

Involves labeling by others in society, influencing how individuals view themselves.

Internal Labeling

Occurs when individuals start to embrace and believe the perceptions and labels assigned to them by others.

Howard S. Becker

Proposed that deviance is not inherent in individuals, but rather constructed by social groups.
Social groups determine norms and label transgressions, leading to the creation of deviance through societal reaction.

Refers to any behavior that violates established social norms, varying across cultures and contexts.

Primary Deviance

The initial act of rule-breaking that can result in being labeled a "deviant."
Following this label, individuals may alter their behavior due to changing perceptions from others.

Secondary Deviance

Deviant behavior that follows primary deviance, driven by the new identity formed from the deviant label and societal expectations.

Broken Windows Theory of Deviance

Suggests that social perceptions influence individual behavior, asserting that societal views can encourage or discourage deviant acts.

Looking Glass Self

The concept that individuals form their self-image based on how they believe they are perceived by others, impacting their self-esteem and identity.

The Generalized Other

Refers to the collective societal expectations and norms that shape our behavior.
Influences how individuals act by incorporating an understanding of what is deemed acceptable across various social situations.

Stigma

A negative label that not only influences how others behave towards an individual but also significantly impacts the person's self-concept and social identity.

Description

Explore the concepts of labeling theory as proposed by Howard S. Becker. This quiz delves into how societal labels influence individual identity and behavior, particularly in the context of deviance and social norms. Test your understanding of primary deviances and the impact of external and internal labeling.