THEORY OF LABELING

THEORY OF LABELING

Theory of Labeling

Introduction

There is very close relation between the labeling theories and the social conflicts as its result. The labeling theory was formed during 1960s. A book known as Outsiders by Howard Saul Becker proved to be very high-ranking in the development and the popularity of this theory. Labeling theory holds that deviance is not inherent to an act, but instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. The basis of social conflict theory lies on the primary causes of crimeaffecting the social and economic forces within a particular society.

Discussion

Labeling theory is considered to be one of the most prominent approaches towards the understanding of criminal or unexpected behavior. It focuses on the concept of the labeling of the people done in relation to their actions. It also discusses various significant factors and effects caused by labeling on individuals. It is believed by many theorists that most people are involved in committing a crime, at least once in their lives but why only some of them are labeled as deviant?

The basic definition of deviant behavior is defined as any behavior that causes the subject to face any kind of sanctions or punishments. It is considered as a behavior which is a complete opposite of the normal behavior and gains the disapproval of the people as well as the society. It is rightfully argued that if an individual is labeled once, that particular label channel its life towards a different treatment from other people and societies. For examples, once you are labeled, this label would act as a dominant force as judge by the people around you, they would neglect all the other aspects and qualities inside you. You will then be recognized and remembered as a thief or a gangster, rather than being a brother or a good father. Every label carries with itself some discrimination which often leads the other as interpretation the behavior of that person in a completely different way. Another example would be that if you are labeled as a thief and working somewhere and wants to work late, other people at the workplace may always be suspicious of you that you might steal something or commit a crime. It is also argued by theorists including Paul Wills that once an individual is labeled and treated differently, it tends to react in a naturally negative fashion which leads it to commit more deviances. The behavior of the male youth was observed by Wills and he highlighted that if you are labeled as “bad” by the management or the teachers, you tend to actually live up to your reputation and even do more stuff to maintain this image.

Other observers have also stated that the effect of labeling of individuals can be destructive as the society looks at them from a different point of view. After a limit, the individuals also start looking at them from the view that the society looks ...