Labeling "Theory"/Perspective

Question 0

Labeling Theory examines the following aspects of defining deviance.

1. Process of _. How certain _ become _ and how behavior becomes _ _ as “deviant”.
2. Role of _. _ is more likely to be /?

Answer 0

1. Rule-making, beliefs, law, formally defined

2. Contingencies, Who, labeled, prosecuted

Question 1

Labeling Theory examines the following aspects of labeling deviance.

1. _ of labeling. _, change in _, _ to label, how stigmatized individual _ _.
2. _ _ itself. Significance in / deviance itself

Answer 1

1. Consequences, stigma, identity, response, “manages” stigma
2. Labeling process, encouraging, producing

Question 2

Labeling Theory examines the following aspects of labeling and defining deviance.

Answer 2

1. Process of rule-making
2. Role of contingencies
3. Consequences of labeling
4. Labeling process itself

Question 3

Focus of labeling theorists:

• How can labeling - a _ _ (social _), a form of _ _ - _ deviance as opposed to _ it?
• What are the _ of social reaction for the labeled individual?
• Key element in understanding deviance and why it occurs.

Answer 3

• Promote, social reaction, interaction, social control, encourage, discourage
• Consequences
• Social interaction

Question 4

Important concepts in understanding labeling process: (5)

Answer 4

1. Primary deviance
2. Secondary deviance
3. Status degradation ceremonies
4. Stigma
5. Master status

Question 5

Rule-breaking

- not interested in cause unless formal response occurs

Answer 5

Primary deviance

Question 6

Habitual, career deviance

• results from/caused by _ _
• in career deviance, label becomes part of _

Answer 6

Secondary deviance

• societal reaction
• identity

Question 7

Formal, public ceremonies that “certify” someone as “deviant”

Answer 7

Status degradation ceremonies

Question 8

Social undesirability

Answer 8

Stigma

Question 9

Most important aspect of identity (self-concept)

Answer 9

Master status

Question 10

Explain how 5 concepts are related in understanding the labeling process.
- Primary deviance generates a formal response, which includes a _ _ _ -> status degradation ceremony _ _ to the individual -> negative impact of label/stigma on _ _ and _ _ -> in response to impact of stigma, individual _ _ _ _ -> individual undergoes a fundamental change in _, in which label of “criminal”/”deviant” becomes _ _.

Answer 10

status degradation ceremony, attaches stigma, legitimate opportunities, legitimate associations, engages in secondary deviance, identity, master status

Question 11

Consequences of stigma/master status: (3)

- All 3 result in _ - commitment to _ _

Answer 11

1. Self-fulfilling prophecy in terms of one’s own self-image, expectations, etc.
2. Negative impact on legitimate opportunities
3. Negative impact on legitimate associations
   - Resocialization, deviant career

Question 12

Explain study that supports idea that formal labeling impacts legitimate opportunities:

• Independent variables: (2)
• Dependent variable
• 4 groups _, _, _, and _ searched for jobs.
• Results for each group:

Answer 12

• Race, felony status
• Call back
• white non-felon, white felon, black non-felon, black felon
• percent of applicants called back: white non-felon 34%, white felon 17%, non-felon 14%, black felon 5%

Question 13

Labeling theory predicts:
Mild/no reaction to deviance =
Formal, public reaction to deviance =

Answer 13

No secondary deviance

Secondary deviance

Question 14

Policy implications of Labeling Theory: (2)

Answer 14

1. Decriminalization of certain offenses

2. Minimal/non-intervention for certain “deviant” individuals

Question 15

Criticisms of Labeling Theory: (3)

Answer 15

1. Blames the system
2. Overemphasizes reaction, underemphasizes individual responsibility and behavior itself
3. Ignores root causes of primary deviance