labeling theories and reintegrative shaming

labeling theory

The informal &/or formal application of stigmatizing, deviant “labels”, by society, on some individuals

effect (dependent) and cause (independent)

“Labels” can be both the _____________ of deviance

dependent

As a ___________ variable, labeling theory attempts to explain why

independent

As a ___________ variable, labeling theory posits that labels cause crime continuation and escalation

Howard S Becker

eminent 20th cent. sociologist

famously has said “I’m not a criminologist”

writings: Becoming a Marihuana User

• How users are labeled ‘social deviants’ (+ learning process)

Outsiders (1963)

Labeling theorist

University of Chicago (Member of Chicago School of Sociology)

professor of sociology and music(?), Northwestern University (1965-1991)

Outsiders

The clearest, if not quite the earliest, statement of the “labeling” approach to the study of deviance by Becker

the deviant

Is one to whom that label has successfully been applied

Adversely effects one’s self‐image, public image, & further social participation

DEVIANCE

NOT a quality of the committed act, but rather…

A consequence of application, by others, of rules & sanctions

how social group create deviance by

1. Making rules whose infractions constitutes ‘deviance’ &

2a) Applying those rules to particular people &

2b) labeling them as ‘outsiders’

symbolic interactionism

• face-to-face interactions and the subjective meanings individuals attach to symbols.

  • Symbols, whether verbal or non-verbal, are not inherently meaningful; their significance is derived from social interaction.

• Humans act toward things based on the meanings those things have for them.

• Importantly, these meanings are not inherent in objects or actions; they arise from social interaction

• For example, the word “dog” or a thumbs-up gesture only have meaning because we as a society agree on what they signify.

Cooley

academic who came up with the looking glass self

looking glass self

• a major concept in symbolic interactionism

• other people function as a “mirror” for us – we imagine how we appear to others, interpret how they judge us, and then adjust our self-concept accordingly

  • i.e.: if a student perceives that their classmates see them as a leader, the student may come to see themselves that way and act more confidently in group projects.

independent variable

Negative labels act as _____ variable, causing crime

• Self‐fulfilling prophecy (Merton, 1957)

retributive

Current CJS amounts to ____ justice & CJ policies

shaming

social disapproval that had the intention or effect of invoking remorse in the shamed person

Disintegrative shaming

noattempt made to reconcile the shamed offender with the community

• ↑Stigmatization with no reintegration

  • worsens crime problem

Reintegrative shaming

Shames offenders for criminal act

• Use shame productively–demonstrate the harm(s) the crime(s) caused

• you are a ‘good person who has done a bad thing’–you are not a ‘bad person’

Attempts to reconcile offender with victim &/or community

aims of restorative justice

1. Empowerment–Target needs of all affected parties

2. Restoration–Repair the harm

3. Reintegration–Bring offender back into community without stigma

4. Emotional & social healing– Address non‐monetary harms caused

empowerment, restoration, reintegration, emotional and social healing

what are the aims of restorative justice

edwin lemert

He introduced the concepts of primary and secondary deviance—primary deviance being minor, initial acts of rule-breaking that don't alter self-identity, and secondary deviance occurring when an individual internalizes the deviant label imposed by society, leading to further deviant behavior.