social explanation of crime: labelling Flashcards
define ‘labelling’
general / broad terms used to describe members of a group which enable us to make judgements about what kind of person someone is and will affect how society behaves towards them
how does labelling link to criminality?
- stereotypes made about a person
- people are treated differently which affects their self concept and they internalise the label so it becomes their master status
- the offender seeks support from deviant groups as they are isolated from society which draws them further into crime
what is primary deviance?
an initial rule breaking act performed by an otherwise socially compliant individual
what is secondary deviance?
deviant behaviour which results from being publically labelled as deviant
what is formal labelling?
labels given to an individual by someone who has the formal status to discern deviant behaviour
what is informal labelling?
labels given to an individual by someone who does not have the formal status to discern deviant behavior
what is projective labelling?
using a deviant identity to predict future action
what is retrospective labelling?
interpreting someone’s past in light of their present deviance
e.g saying that someone was a ‘violent child’ if they are labelled as a ‘murderer’
how does primary deviance lead to secondary deviance?
- creates a formal label
- deviant self concept, blocked opportunity and delinquent peers
describe a strength of labelling theory (PEE)
- McGrath
strength of labelling theory is the supporting evidence from McGrath. they found that there was more perceived stigmatisation by respondents who had more convictions at a younger age or were younger at first offence. this was related to reoffence which therefore, shows that increased stigma increased the likelihood of reoffence. however, this was only the case for females so it cannot represent a whole population.
what is a strength of labelling theory (PEE)?
- chambliss
a strength of labelling theory as an explanation of crime is supporting evidence from Chambliss. they studied ‘saint’ students and ‘roughneck’ students from Hanibal High. they found that even though the crimes from both groups were the same, all but 2 of the 7 ‘roughnecks’ who were labelled as delinquent, became criminals but 7 out of the 8 saints went to college. therefore, this shows that placing a label on a group can cause those individuals to live up to this label because of the blocked opportunities and low expectations of society.
what are the applications of labelling theory?
labelling suggests that we become criminals due to being outcasted by society. therefore, highlighting if labelling someone as a ‘criminal’ can be prevented, this could reduce crime and keep society safe.
what is a weakness of labelling theory (PEE)?
a weakness of labelling theory as an explanation for crime is that it could be an reductionist. for example, it emphasises the interactive process of labelling, ignoring the process leading up to the initial deviant act; such as personality or socioeconomic differences. therefore, without accounting for individual differences in the reasons for crime or motivation to offend, labelling theory is an incomplete explanation of crime.
