Labelling Theory Flashcards
Who created labelling theory
Howard becker
What is labelling theory
The theory that all people commit crime but not everyone is defined as a criminal
What are 2 examples of labelling theory
London riots, bullingdon club (boris johnson)
How does labelling cause crime
By labelling people criminals, it encourages them to bevome more so
What is deviancy amplification
Way levels of deviance or crime can be increased by the societal reaction to deviance itself
What is a self fufilling prophecy
Process by which a persons expectations about someone can lead to that someone behaving in ways which confirm the expectations
What is a deviant career
An individual accepts their label and it becomes their “master status”
Examples of how labelling creates crime
Mods v rockers, stop and search
Strengths of labelling
Lots of examples to supprt this theory,
Provides practical application for tackling crime
Weakness of labelling
Assumes everyone will react the same to labels, doesnt explain initial act of crime
