Labelling Theory
Share
Labelling theory, also known as societal reaction theory, is a sociological perspective that focuses on the social process of labelling individuals or groups as deviant or criminal and the effects of these labels on their subsequent behaviour and social interactions. It suggests that the application of labels can influence and shape individuals' self-perception, identity formation, and future behaviour.
Primary and secondary deviance: Labelling theory distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to initial acts of rule-breaking that may not be recognised or labeled as deviant by others. Secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalise and incorporate the deviant label applied to them, leading to continued or increased involvement in deviant behaviour.
Stigmatisation and self-fulfilling prophecy: Labelling theory highlights the stigmatising and discrediting effects of deviant labels. Once labeled as deviant, individuals may experience social exclusion, discrimination, and diminished opportunities. The theory also suggests that the labelling process can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals internalise and conform to the expectations and stereotypes associated with their labeled status, leading to further engagement in deviant behaviour.
Symbolic interactionism: Labelling theory is rooted in symbolic interactionism, which emphasises the importance of social interactions and the meanings people assign to symbols and behaviours. It highlights the role of social interactions, labelling processes, and the negotiation of meanings in the construction of deviance and the social response to it.
Labelling and social control: Labelling theorists argue that the application of deviant labels by social control agents, such as the criminal justice system or authority figures, can perpetuate a cycle of deviance. The labelling process can lead to the creation of deviant subcultures, alienation from conventional society, and limited opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Labelling theory has been influential in understanding various aspects of crime, including the overrepresentation of certain groups in the criminal justice system, the impact of labelling on individuals' life chances, and the effects of societal reactions to deviance. It highlights the socially constructed nature of deviance and challenges the notion that deviant behaviour is solely a result of individual characteristics or predispositions. By focusing on the social processes of labelling, this theory contributes to a broader understanding of the complexities of crime and social control in society.
Primary and secondary deviance: Labelling theory distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to initial acts of rule-breaking that may not be recognised or labeled as deviant by others. Secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalise and incorporate the deviant label applied to them, leading to continued or increased involvement in deviant behaviour.
Stigmatisation and self-fulfilling prophecy: Labelling theory highlights the stigmatising and discrediting effects of deviant labels. Once labeled as deviant, individuals may experience social exclusion, discrimination, and diminished opportunities. The theory also suggests that the labelling process can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals internalise and conform to the expectations and stereotypes associated with their labeled status, leading to further engagement in deviant behaviour.
Symbolic interactionism: Labelling theory is rooted in symbolic interactionism, which emphasises the importance of social interactions and the meanings people assign to symbols and behaviours. It highlights the role of social interactions, labelling processes, and the negotiation of meanings in the construction of deviance and the social response to it.
Labelling and social control: Labelling theorists argue that the application of deviant labels by social control agents, such as the criminal justice system or authority figures, can perpetuate a cycle of deviance. The labelling process can lead to the creation of deviant subcultures, alienation from conventional society, and limited opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Labelling theory has been influential in understanding various aspects of crime, including the overrepresentation of certain groups in the criminal justice system, the impact of labelling on individuals' life chances, and the effects of societal reactions to deviance. It highlights the socially constructed nature of deviance and challenges the notion that deviant behaviour is solely a result of individual characteristics or predispositions. By focusing on the social processes of labelling, this theory contributes to a broader understanding of the complexities of crime and social control in society.
