Chapter 5 - Important

Question 1

In general labelling theories are based on a broad processional model (stigma occurs with labelling) , what is the general process of a negative label?

Answer 1

E.g: juvenile delinquent:

1. ) Negative Label
   - person was alleged to have stolen an item from a shop.
2. ) Stigmatization
   - becomes subject to stigmatization when the negative “juvenile delinquent” label becomes a master public definition of “what he or she is like”
   - everyone then responds to the person according to the terms of the label, regardless of what the person may now actually be doing with his or her life and with little regard for the other positive qualities he or she may possess.
3. ) New identity formed in response to negative labelling
   - over time of the stigma attaches, then the person may commit him or herself to the new label and hence change his or her identity to fit the label
4. ) commitment to new identity based on available roles and relationships