The Labeling Theory

The Labeling Theory

The labeling theory invented by George Herbert is closely associated with social construction and symbolic interaction analysis. It emphasizes the tendency of the majority to negatively label the minority or those seen as deviant from standard social norms. An individual is socially constructed and reconstructed by interacting with various people in society. The theory explains how terms used to describe an individual might influence the individual’s self-identity and behavior. Basically, the labeling theory argues that people are given labels depending on how others perceive their behavior (Casella, 2020). Do you need urgent assignment help ? Get in touch with us at eminencepapers.com.

Social labels influence a particular behavior in an individual. They are a set of expectations about a certain behavior; thus, applying negative labels encourages deviant behavior in an individual. To illustrate, a person labeled as a criminal for a one-time delinquency act might choose to follow a criminal path as a result of a self-fulfilling prophecy. To explain, people learn how to express themselves based on the perceptions and attitudes of others towards them (Marvin D., Nicole, Gina, and Alan J., 2019). Therefore, one’s perception of oneself might change due to stereotypical expectations from others. If the person is receiving negative reactions, they may begin to see themselves as deviant, thereby following a deviant path to fulfill these stereotypical expectations.

Additionally, stigmatizing markers contribute to deviant behaviors. These are associated with stigma, as individuals labeled as fundamentally different experience discrimination from others. This affects how the individual associates with society. For instance, a person labeled as a criminal might find it difficult to secure a legitimate job, even if it’s with honest intentions. Therefore, the person is forced to associate with deviant groups where they feel accepted and, in turn, take the role of the deviant in society.
In summary, labeling theory contributes to explaining deviant behavior by focusing on social labeling and how deviant labeling results in weak social bonds, discrimination, and involvement in deviant groups, which then again leads to deviant behavior.

References

Cassella, K. (2020). Social Work and Deviant Behavior. Eastern Gateway Community College.
Marvin D., K., Nicole, H., Gina, P. and Alan .J, L. (2019). Handbook on Crime and Deviance. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research.

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Application of Theory: Provide two examples of how the Labeling theory explains deviant behavior. Be sure to provide two examples with explanations.

The Labeling Theory

Note: Pls read chapter 4 of the attached text.