Labelling theory

Question 1

Define Labelling

Answer 1

• make a judgement upon a person (generally negative)
• ignores other characteristics that don’t relate to the label
• it is given on the majority/authority figure people upon the minority
• based off the majorities social norms/culture

Question 2

Define 1. primary/2. secondary deviancies

Answer 2

1. the behaviour that causes the initial labelling

2. a person starts to identify with and classify themselves by that label

Question 3

Define 1. postive/2. negative labelling

Answer 3

1. opposite effects of negative: heightens ones confidence/self-esteem, receives more warm greetings into society than those with negative labels
2. it acts as an unmotivated to make a difference in yourselves proven the labelling wrong which then dampers a person’s self-esteem and confidence leading to being segregated and isolated from society

Question 4

Define stigmas

Answer 4

• really difficult to remove:
  the person that gave this refuses to change their view on you
  plus reinterpret your actions to further reinforce their view on their label

Question 5

Define 1. retrospective/2. prospective labelling

Answer 5

1. uses the actions of the past to judge their current actions
   e. g. act up in school with being labelled as a thug/daylight lantern in the future
2. uses your current history to predict your future
   e. g. basically just UCAS predicitons

Question 6

Define self-concept

Answer 6

how we see ourselves

if the label can lead to deviant amplification as your whole personality/actions are moulded by that label, sooner or later becoming their identity

Question 7

Define stereotypes

Answer 7

preconceived ideas of a person/group without any personal experiences and relying on rumours/ other peoples experiences