Labeling Theory Notes (edited)

Labeling Theory

• comes from symbolic interactionism and is a micro-level, relativist perspective that focuses on individuals and the meanings they attach to objects, people, and interactions around them

• Harry potter and the sorting hat is a popular example

Introduction

• Charles Horton Cooley: Introduced the concept of the "looking-glass self," which is relevant to understanding how individuals develop their self-image based on how they perceive others view them.

• Howard Becker: said “deviance is not the act, but the reaction to the act” and labels are imposed by those with power.

• Key to Defining Deviance: According to labeling theory, the reaction to a behavior or a person is crucial in defining deviance.

Development of Labeling Theory

• Tannenbaum: Developed foundational ideas for the labeling perspective.

• Edwin Lemert: Distinguished between primary and secondary deviance:

  • Primary Deviance: Initial acts of deviance that do not typically lead to long-term consequences or changes in self-identity.

  • Secondary Deviance: Deviant behavior that results from being labeled as a deviant by society. The individual begins to internalize the label, affecting their self-concept and future behavior.

How the Labeling Process Works

• Labeling Process: Deviance leads to a societal reaction, which can result in role engulfment and, subsequently, secondary deviance.

• self-fulfilling prophecy: labels the lead the behavior that confirms the label

• master status: a label (sex offender), that overshadows all other identities

• example: a teenager who is caught shoplifting; once labeled as a thief, they may find that this label influences their identity, leading them to associate with others who engage in similar behavior. This reinforces the deviant identity and creates a cycle where the individual feels compelled to act in accordance with the label assigned to them.

• Consequences of Labeling: The labeled individual may experience stigma, discrimination, and isolation, further embedding them into deviant subcultures and making it difficult to reintegrate into conventional society. Additionally, this can hinder their access to education and employment opportunities, as society often views them through the lens of their label, thereby perpetuating the cycle of deviance.

• prison tattoos can be seen as a label which can make reintegration harder

• SCABS = people who don’t go on a union strike and continue to work

Labeling and Mental Illness

• Scheff's Theory: Scheff outlined a theory of labeling and mental illness.

• Reaffirmation of Stereotypes: Symptoms and stereotypes of mental illness can be inadvertently reinforced through everyday social interactions.

• Residual Rule Breaking: this is behavior that doesn’t fit with any social categories and often labelled as a mental illness. While much residual rule-breaking might be considered insignificant, it can initiate the labeling process.

Example: NCRMD

• Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder (NCRMD) refers to a legal designation indicating that an individual was unable to comprehend their actions due to a severe mental illness at the time the crime was committed.

• young man (23), had just graduated from the university of Calgary and had been accepted to law school. During the summer in between he was working at Safeway and on the last day of classes he was called by his friends to join them at a party after work. That night he experienced a severe episode of schizophrenia which led to the death of 5 of his friends. He was living undiagnosed and had no symptoms until a short period before the event. He was charged with NCRMD as he was not aware he had committed the crimes.

• David Rosenhan: “pseudopatient” study - hard to shed mental illness labels even when “normal”

Labeling and Delinquency

• Application Area: Labeling theory has been widely applied in the area of young offending.

• YCJA Impact: The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) in Canada addresses the impact of labeling on young offenders.

• Franklin Tannenbaum: said police labelling turns juvenile misbehavior into a “dramatization of evil”

• Ross Matsueda: said parental labeling affects adolescent self-concept and delinquency

Application of Labeling Theory

• Braithwaite (1989): His work, "Crime, Shame and Reintegration," is relevant to the application of labeling theory.

Shaming vs. Re-Integration

• Shaming:

  • A negative labeling process that can lead to further deviance.

• Re-integrative Shaming:

  • An approach that aims to reintegrate offenders back into the community after they have been shamed for their actions. It involves communicating disapproval while also showing respect and support.

Label Jars—Not People

• A metaphor emphasizing the importance of labeling actions or behaviors rather than individuals.

The Potential Power of Restorative Justice

• Elements of Restorative Justice:

  • Focuses on peace, relationships, redemption, victims, advocate, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, support, responsibility, closure, and communities.

  • Contrasts with retributive justice.

  • Zehr is mentioned as a key figure in restorative justice.

The Long Arm of the Law: Effects of Labeling on Employment

• Recent Study: A study examined the impact of formal labeling by schools and the justice system.

• Davies and Tanner Findings: Severe forms of labeling have strong negative effects on employment opportunities.

"Cancel Culture" Stigma and Labeling

• Cancel Culture: This is presented as a modern form of stigma and labeling. It is often done online. some say it holds people accountable, while others argue that it contradicts free speech and the principles of restorative justice.

• it is important to consider the power dynamic between those who are being shamed and those doing the shaming

• examples: Danny Masterson (former TV star found guilty of 2-3 counts of rape), Diddy (facing many charges related to employment conditions, sex trafficking, conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitutions, etc), Lizzo (accusations of body shamming, discrimination, and hostile work environment), and Julianne Hough (dressed in blackface)

critiques

• doesn’t explain initial deviance

• labels may not always be negative

• may underemphasize structural inequality and root causes