Labeling Theory, Research Paper Example

The labeling theory takes behavior as deviant is the cases society holds them to be defiant and derives the meaning of other people’s symbols, reactions, actions, and labels (Kruger 12). Labeling theory starts with the notion that there are no intrinsically criminal acts. The people in power place the labels of the deviant acts by the process of law formulation and the interpretation of these laws. The politicians, police, judges, and medical practitioners usually do the labeling (Larry 27). Labeled people include drug addicts, criminals, delinquents, offenders, and retards. After labeling occurs changing the opinion of such labeling on an individual becomes difficult even in light of evidence to the contrary Frederic (32). A labeled individual tends to become stigmatized in the society and termed or perceived as delinquent or criminal and such individuals treated and considered untrustworthy by the general population. Because of the stigmatization, the individual then tends to accept the label and live up to the label by doing the acts labeled on the person (Frederic 65). Labeling theory works on noting the deviant act and fails in addressing the cause of the deviance. The labeling theory also tends to increase the rate of deviant behavior on the part of individuals who get labels. Individuals tend to increase the rate of deviance after labeling and are evident in an increase in deviance after conviction. Labeling, on the other hand, has its proponents who argue that the reactions and attitudes of others have an effect of reducing deviance (Kruger 36) Labeling gives, the society need to control their behavior in order to avoid labeling and, therefore, deters the society from deviant behavior.

Work Cited

Frederic, Agnes, and Muller, John. Labeling Theory. VDM Publishing House Ltd., 2009.

Kruger, Johannes. Labeling theory: a critical examination. Scientific Reference Group, National Swedish council for crime prevention [Brottsförebyggande rådet] : Liber distribution, 2007.

Larry, Siegel. Criminology the core. 4^th ed. New York: Cengage Learning, 2010.