Labeling Theory
LABELING THEORY
Sociologyindex, Sociology Books 2008
Labeling theory arose from the study of deviance in the late 1950's and early 1960's and was a rejection of consensus theory or structural functionalism.
Tannenbaum was among the early labeling theorists. His main concept was the dramatization of evil. He argued that the process of tagging, defining, identifying, segregating, describing, and emphasizing any individual out for special treatment becomes a way of stimulating, suggesting, and evoking the very traits that are complained of. A person becomes the thing they are described as being.
Labeling theory or social reaction theory, focuses on the linguistic tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from norms.
Labeling theory or social reaction theory is concerned with how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them, and is associated with the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping.
Lemert was as the founder of the "societal reaction" approach. Briefly, this approach distinguishes between primary deviance (where individuals do not see themselves a deviant) and secondary deviance (which involves acceptance of a deviant status).
Primary deviance arises for a wide variety of reasons, biological, psychological, and/or sociological.
Secondary, or intensified deviance becomes a means of defense, attack, or adaptation to the problems caused by societal reaction to primary deviation.
Societal reaction theorists claim that the process of defining and suppressing deviance is important to social solidarity.
Considerable attention is now being devoted to informal labeling, such as labeling by parents, peers or teachers. Informal labeling has a greater effect on subsequent crime than official labeling.
Informal labeling
Informal labeling is not simply a function of official labeling. Informal
Sociologyindex, Sociology Books 2008
Labeling theory arose from the study of deviance in the late 1950's and early 1960's and was a rejection of consensus theory or structural functionalism.
Tannenbaum was among the early labeling theorists. His main concept was the dramatization of evil. He argued that the process of tagging, defining, identifying, segregating, describing, and emphasizing any individual out for special treatment becomes a way of stimulating, suggesting, and evoking the very traits that are complained of. A person becomes the thing they are described as being.
Labeling theory or social reaction theory, focuses on the linguistic tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from norms.
Labeling theory or social reaction theory is concerned with how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them, and is associated with the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping.
Lemert was as the founder of the "societal reaction" approach. Briefly, this approach distinguishes between primary deviance (where individuals do not see themselves a deviant) and secondary deviance (which involves acceptance of a deviant status).
Primary deviance arises for a wide variety of reasons, biological, psychological, and/or sociological.
Secondary, or intensified deviance becomes a means of defense, attack, or adaptation to the problems caused by societal reaction to primary deviation.
Societal reaction theorists claim that the process of defining and suppressing deviance is important to social solidarity.
Considerable attention is now being devoted to informal labeling, such as labeling by parents, peers or teachers. Informal labeling has a greater effect on subsequent crime than official labeling.
Informal labeling
Informal labeling is not simply a function of official labeling. Informal