Labelling Theory Flashcards
What is the theory???
Internationalism
What is the label in theory?
- argue that people become to identify and behave based upon how people label them
- no actions are criminal or deviant in themselves but are a result of labels applied by society
- when label an individual a criminal the individual becomes a self fulfilling prophecy y taking on the label
What is an example of this theory??
London riots which during the riots people were labelled as port and rioting and deserving of punishments whereas the Bullingdon club were wealthy and future prime ministers so they are labelled as only making a wrong judgement and that they are not criminal. But the actions of both were similar like the bullingdon club went on drunken rampages and burnt money infront of homeless people
How does this theory explain criminal Behaviour??
Claim that by labelling certain people as criminal or deviant society actually encourages them to become more deviant.
Deviancy amplification is where deviant acts are exaggerated due to labels
self fulfilling prophecy is where if labelled a criminal you would become one
Deviant careers are where it becomes a way of life to be criminal
What are the strengths of labelling theory??
- concept of self fulfilling prophecy and deviance amplification are supported by examples - mods and rockers and London riots demonstrate how social reaction and labelling encourage crime and deviance
- used to understand and explain trends seen in official crime statistics - officials statistics indicate working class people more likely to commit come as crime rates are high in low income areas. But this theory argues that that the trend is a result of working class people more likely to recieve negative label
What are the weaknesses of the labelling theory??
- makes an assumption that everyone react to label in same way. Becker argues that become someone master status but Becker ignores that many people reject label and avoid behaviour associated with label
- does not explain root cause of original act of deviance or crime - fails to explain why individuals commit crime in the first place
