Labeling Theory

Low Self-Control

• Individual Differences:

  • People vary in levels of self-control, influencing their vulnerability to crime.

  • The absence of special skills required for committing crimes.

• Role of Caretakers:

  • Importance of caretakers in the development of self-control in individuals.

• Parental Influence:

  • Impact of parental criminality on child development and behavior.

Elements of Self-Control

• Influence of Crime on Self-Control:

  • Crime often provides immediate gratification, making it appealing.

  • Excitement and thrill associated with criminal activities.

  • Low requirement for skills or extensive planning in criminal acts.

• Social Factors:

  • Individuals with gregarious or social traits are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Characteristics of Low Self-Control

• Descriptive Traits:

  • Individuals lacking self-control tend to be:

    • Impulsive

    • Insensitive

    • Physically oriented rather than mentally

    • Risk-taking

    • Short-sighted

    • Non-verbal

  • Such traits correlate with higher likelihood of committing criminal acts.

Evaluating Social Learning and Social Control Theories

• More comprehensive in explaining various crimes than structural theories.

• Effectiveness across multiple cultures.

• Limitations:

  • Ineffectiveness in explaining wanton acts of violence.

  • Potential inaccuracies in the direction of causal arrows.

Public Policies Surrounding Social Process Theories

• Strategies for Unlearning Crime:

  • Drug treatment programs aimed at rehabilitation.

  • Emphasis on strengthening social bonds within communities.

  • Improvements in educational systems (e.g., Head Start).

  • Implementation of diversion programs to address delinquency.

Labeling Theory Overview

• Fundamental Concept:

  • Individuals are controlled by social reactions to their conduct, whether deemed good or bad.

  • Born from the theory of Symbolic Interactionism which shapes the meaning of deviance through social groups.

Labeling Theory: Construction of Deviance

• According to Becker:

  • Deviance is a socially constructed process and not an inherent quality of an individual.

  • Labels arise from applying societal rules and sanctions to individuals labeled as outsiders.

  • "Deviant" status is granted based on societal perceptions rather than individual actions.

Becker’s Examples of Deviance

• Deviance is defined by societal reactions rather than the act itself.

• The nuances of labeling highlight the importance of context and perception in defining deviance.

The Labeling Process

• Transactional Dynamics:

  • Deviance occurs through interactions between social groups and individuals.

  • Establishment of rules which can vary greatly across different groups; some rules are consensual while others are imposed.

• Engagement of Power Dynamics:

  • Discussions around the political, economic, and social influences on the creation and enforcement of rules.

The Nature of Criminal Laws

• Criminal laws define acceptable behavior and outline consequences for violations.

• Long-lasting impacts of criminal labels can stigmatize individuals:

  • "Criminal" labels are harder to remove and more detrimental than other labels.

Examples of Deviance

• Murder Types:

  • Murder: Intentional taking of another life.

  • Manslaughter: Unintentional death resulting from negligence.

  • Justifiable Homicide: Legally sanctioned killings (e.g., in combat).

Reactions to Rule Violations

• Investigation into the assumptions surrounding individuals violating rules:

  • Actions labeled as deviant may not truly reflect rule-breaking.

  • Lack of complete knowledge about individuals who have violated societal norms.

Effects of Labeling

• Stigmatization:

  • Disgrace that accompanies labeling can lead to diminished self-esteem and internalization of the criminal label.

• Impact often results in further acts of deviance due to societal rejection.

Labeling Theory in Real World Context

• Sex Offender Registry Example:

  • Utilizing laws and regulations stemming from labeling theory,

  • Issues surrounding sexual behavior among minors, including sexting being treated as child pornography.

Predictions from Labeling Theory

• Considerations about compliance with registry laws and the lifecycle of teenage offenders.

Impacts of Sex Offender Registries

• Statistical Observations:

  • No significant change in crime rates for sex offenses post-implementation.

  • Registrants face challenges like housing and employment issues.

  • Families of registrants also experience negative consequences.

Illinois Sexting Law

• Classification of sexting among teenagers as a misdemeanor,

• Minors convicted are not labeled as sex offenders, instead punished through lenient measures like probation or community service.

Variation in Responses to Deviance

• Understanding how societal responses vary:

  • Deviance amplification and moral panics due to societal reactions (e.g., marijuana use incidents).

• Media Influence:

  • Mass media can label drug use as a social issue leading to increased arrests and societal pressures.

Racial and Class Variations in Deviance

• Disparities in how different groups are perceived as deviant based on race and class dynamics.

• Critical questions regarding who establishes these societal rules.