Topic > Understanding the Role of Labeling Theory in Deviant Behavior

Labeling theory is a sociological approach to crime and deviance that emphasizes the function of social labeling in the development of crime and deviance. Although deviant conduct can originate from a variety of causes and conditions, once individuals have been branded or identified as deviant, they often face new challenges arising from their own and others' reactions to negative experiences. These problems can make it more likely that deviant and criminal behaviors will become constant and chronic. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Deviant behavior could become a “method of defense, attack, or adaptation” to challenges caused by deviant labeling, according to Lemert. The first and foremost theorist was Howard Becker, who published the groundbreaking work Outsiders in 1963. According to the theorist who worked on the hypothesis and theories, all human beings have a conscious mind and when we interact and engage with our brain, there is an external mind. It is thought that we all see the same things but interpret them differently. For example, when you look at an object or watch a presentation, it may seem like you are looking at the same thing but it may be interpreted differently. It is believed that we all see the same things but interpret them differently. For example, when you look at an object or watch a show, it may seem like you are looking at the same thing, but this can be understood differently because everyone has a different perspective on what is being shown. However, having said that, society has a great impact on those individuals who are labeled, as society has a positive and negative view of individuals, this is often mistaken for human error as we all have a different opinion of situations than others. Outsiders is a concept in criminology and sociology. Howard Becker's Studies in the Sociology of Deviance are considered innovative research. In the book he focuses on how police and legal experts define crime. The term "tagging" was coined to describe this theory. His technique went even further, demonstrating how becoming part of a deviant subculture, such as jazz, involved learning to label the experiences that occurred. Becker's research focuses on how labeling has affected crime; his work on "The Outsider" revealed that those who are labeled for their crimes act deviantly because society views them as deviant, which ties into the theory that crime and deviance are social constructs. According to Becker, people do not consider themselves deviants while committing crimes; it is only after they are caught that they realize they have done something wrong. Once the initial activity has been deemed deviant, a label is assigned to those who committed the act, they label forms of deviant labels such as violent thief or drug addict which might be assigned to an individual based on their actions and in especially deviant behaviors. This overrides all characteristics of the labeled person and becomes a status that changes how others interact with other individuals who are labeled. Society leaves the labeled individual with little choice but to gravitate towards others who have been negatively labeled and towards a deviant career, as the individual is marginalized by mainstream society. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay To conclude, the points of.