Labeling TheoryLabeling Theory free essay sample

Intro: The labeling theory is based upon the idea that one is not considered deviant through their actions, but instead deviance is built upon from people negatively judging an individual with disparate behavioral tendencies from the cultural norm. It centralizes around the idea that deviance is relative, as nobody is born deviant, but become deviant through social processes when surrounding peers consistently label a person as deviant. Therefore, one becomes a deviant because one believes that one’s self-concept is a deviant through consistent labeling of external factors, usually from higher authoritative peers. The labeling theory therefore focuses on how one’s self-identity or behavior can be shaped and influenced by how other people classify and react to one’s actions. This paper will begin by analyzing foundational frameworks of the labeling theory, and proceed with how this theory then was exemplified. Then, the main points of this theory will be summarized, following in depth classifications, and then an example of the application of the labeling theory to policy. We will write a custom essay sample on Labeling TheoryLabeling Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Intellectual Foundation: The foundational base of the labeling theory is built around the theories created from Mead, Tannenbaum and Lemert. Mead created the idea of symbolic interactionism, that everyone creates their self-identity or human behavior through social interactions with their surrounding environment. Then by putting together all these experiences, one uses this to construct their own self-identity . There is a strong correlation to labeling theory as it is built upon the idea that the labels attached to individuals are built by others’ conception of the individual’s behavior. Tannenbaum constructed the idea of the â€Å"Dramatization of the Evil†, which has a central premise of how adolescents become delinquents. Many activities that adults do not approve of include smoking, flooding school washrooms or cutting classes. When informally punished by teachers or parents, if severe can instead stimulate deviancy the adolescents to further engage in misconduct. The idea of symbolic interactionists was used was the framework of explaining deviance and crime. Afterwards, Lemert explains the labeling theory as a transitional process from primary deviance to secondary deviance. Becker follows this by explaining the labeling theory through a deviant career  model. First, Lemert explains that everyone is in the stage of primary deviance. Through normal everyday occurrences, anyone can be situated in incidents that would cause them to form deviant acts because of external factors, such as peer pressure. However, as long as these occurrences remain hidden or occasional, they will stay as primary deviance and not influence the individual as there will be little to none negative social reaction. As a result of the little negative social reaction, each person would not label himself or herself as deviant either. If they do however however, Sykes and Matza specified five neutralization techniques for one to maintain a non-deviant self-concept. These five concepts consist of: denial of responsibility for their act, denial that injury to others is real, denial that a victim is really a victim, condemn those who are condemning them, and appeal to higher loyalties to justify their actions. (82) One therefore uses these strategies to avoid the self-definition of deviancy. However, when someone is socially defined as deviant and accepts their self-definition as deviant, they engage in Lemert’s concept of secondary deviance. When the deviant label is successfully applied, this often follows with negative social interaction and social rejection. Longing for social acceptance, this person resort to subcultures consisted with people who pursue similar acts. Then, this person adapts to the lifestyle, culture, people and environment of deviancy. Becker extends the labeling theory onto two more perspectives: moral entrepreneurship and the deviant career. He introduces these concepts through the idea that consistent deviant behavior is what stimulates deviant motivation. Becker’s famous book Outsiders is known to be the manifesto of the labeling theory movement among many sociologists. He describes deviance in relation to the labeling theory as that: â€Å"social groups create deviance by making rules whose infraction creates deviance, and by applying those roles to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. From this point of view, deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by other of rules and sanctions to an offender. The deviant is one to whom that label has been successfully applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label The idea of moral entrepreneurs consists of people with higher authoritative power that have the ability to create and enforce moral norms by integrating them into legal statues and  prohibitations (Gomme, 2007, p. 83). This creates a social hierarchy between those with higher moral or economic interests in comparison with those of less social and economic power. Therefore, the higher social classes are the ones that create the deviant labels of nonconformists. A deviant career is the process of how one becomes a deviant. Becker relates this to the concept of a career from how one begins at the lowest position and through hard work and time he or she will continuously be promoted throughout his or her career. Each promotion affects the individual’s self-esteem, self-concept, and identity (Gomme, 2007, p. 83). The same concept applies to a deviant career, as promotion in this area reflects a positive light on the individual from their deviant peers. An aspect of a deviant career is also the â€Å"master status†, meaning a status that â€Å"overrides other statuses regardless of the context in which the person is located when he or she is the subject of reaction† (Gomme, 2007, p. 83). When one has a master status of a deviant, there is usually continuous negative response such as gossip, avoidance, or discrimination. The concept of shaming from Braithwaite does not consist only of the labeling theory, as he combines several other theories such as: strain, subcultural, social learning, control and labeling theories. Reintegrative shaming begins by having the individual feel social disapproval, followed by feelings of remorse as a result of being shamed. Ceremonies are held to certify the deviancy, and then followed by additional ceremonies to decertify the deviancy. Through this, people see the cause and effect of reintegrative shaming so they avoid future actions that would create a master status label of a deviant. Shaming through instigmatization however, provokes and amplifies criminal behavior because shaming arouses disrespectful disapproval and humiliation. The ceremonies that certify deviancy are not followed with ceremonies to decertify the deviancy. Therefore, the act and the persons’ self-concept both become labeled as evil, resulting in a master status of a deviant. Explanation of the theory: Symbolic interaction is the core foundation of what the labeling theory is built upon. Through social processes, meanings and symbols become created through interaction. Whether positive or negative, these messages are interpreted to define a person’s identity and self-concept. This therefore  is a â€Å"symbolic interpretation of the symbolic interpretations of the reactions of others act as a social mirror that reflects the actor’s self† (p. 87). George Mead created the concept that meanings are comprised the interpretations of one another given off in symbolic messages in the context of the interaction. This self-identity is created from how others interpret people’s reaction of them. As Mead identified this as â€Å"the self as a social construction†, Charles Cooley identified this as â€Å"the looking glass self† (Gomme, 2007, p. 87). Through this frame work of the symbolic interaction came the creation of the labeling theory in perspective of crime and deviance. In this case, usually people with higher social class or authority have the power to either informally, as a parent teacher etc, or formally, as an institution etc, to label someone. This is the basic framework of what constitutes as the labeling theory. Afterwards, many different perspectives of defining and constructing the labeling theory were created. One important aspect is how deviance transitions from primary to secondary. One is first defined deviant through consistent negative social reaction from surrounding factors. When these people begin to isolate and neglect the labeled â€Å"deviant†, the deviant believes that his or her self-concept is truly deviant, therefore creating a deviant identity. Therefore, these deviant labeled people live in deviant environment, processing onto secondary deviance. Additional key concepts include the moral entrepreneur, the deviant career and the master status. Moral entrepreneur are ones with high authoritative power that can create or enforce moral norms into the legal system, therefore labeling ones with less economic and social power. The master status is the primary status that overrides all other ones despite context and location of the situation. Having a deviant master status causes social neglect and negative social reactions. Finally, Braithewaite uses the concept of the labeling theory and creates the reintegrative shaming, which specifies conditions under which â€Å"labeling constitutes a mitigating or aggregating circumstance influencing future and criminal behavior† (Gomme, 2007, p. 88). There are two types. Reintegrative shaming reduces crime, and stigmatizing increases crime. Application of theory to policy: Despite the many efforts of the labeling theory to reduce deviance and crime, there are many implications that rests on that labeling and stigmatization my official agents actually increase crime and deviance. In order to decrease this, theorist advice that stigma be reduced through limiting formal procedures (criminal justice program) and instead promote diversion programs. One idea is the implementation of community service in replacement of juvenile jail time. This will minimize official labeling by directing ones of minor offences out of prison and into court-mandated work in the community (Gomme, 2007, p. 86). A conviction of juvenile time is considered severe can cause the effect of Lumert’s idea of secondary deviance, as a formal institution is labeling an adolescence as a deviant. For example, this individual will now have a criminal record so when this person applies for a job, he or she will need to present his criminal record. Not only this, but by being in a jail environment, this individual will meet and interact with similar people who conducted similar deviant acts. They can bond, and share ideas to pursue in future deviant acts together. Through community service however, the individual might be initially labeled as a deviant, but the name is soon be gone as he or she finishes their mandatory volunteer time. Not only this, but they will no engage with other deviants. Therefore, implementing and stronger court-mandated work in the community would reduce stigma in comparison to promoting juvenile jail time. Tannenbaum supports this by stating that, â€Å"the way out is through a refusal to dramatize the evil†, the justice system attempts to do this through diversion programs. The growth of the theory and its current application, both practical and theoretical, provide a solid foundation for continued popularity. Classifying the theory: Deviant labels are usually given from classes with higher authoritative power who have integrated their moral norms into statutes and prohibitations, therefore labeling those with less economic and social stability. This therefore falls under the conflict theory. Although the labeling theory is classified as a conflict theory, the labeling theory focuses on a micro level analysis of how people’s social interactions with their surrounding environment are interpreted then re-modified to produce a personal identity. Becker supports this by stating â€Å"the most relative interactionist theory of deviance is that â€Å"social groups create deviance by making the rules whose  infraction constitutes deviance†. This means that deviant behavior is arisen from the influences of social control factors instead of the personal reason of why one commits a deviant act, resulting this to be a micro-level analysis. The labeling theory is classified as process as this theory involves how one’s process of developing a deviant identification is through the social reactions of their peers. From all these gathered information, constitutes how this individual would also define situations. Therefore, the labeling theory constitutes the process of how one becomes and develops a deviant self-concept. Conclusion: The labeling theory is created among the idea that one’s actions do not define whether he or she is deviant. Instead however, social reaction of one’s behavior creates and mol one’s self-identity, and along side attaching meanings and labels. Therefore, no one is born as a deviant person, but instead is molded into deviancy through social process. The labeling theory constitutes of a strong framework through the ideas of Mead, Tannenbaum and Lemert. Mead’s idea of Symbolic interaction could be considered the seed of the labeling theory. The label theory answers the questions of â€Å"Who is defined as a deviant?† â€Å"How did this happen?† and â€Å"What are the consequences?†

Juvenile Delenquency

Juvenile Delenquency Free Online Research Papers There are numerous theories to why a person becomes who they are and how they got there, what makes it difficult to understand is which correct theory to follow and believe. Listed are a brief analysis of a few theories and two case studies of two troubled youths that will help to open a window to witness what is happening to society’s youth and how they contribute to adulthood. Although, several theories are around regarding juvenile delinquency, tapering them down to one solution is nearly impracticable. Knowing that a theory is simply an educated guess, one can see there is not one single cause for delinquency in society today .However, there are several theories that should be considered and explored. We should make a more in-depth look at figures and determine where crime actually begins. The following are two separate crimes and for many, the correct theories surrounding them. I will explore theories such as the Robert Agnu’s General Strain Theory which suggest that anger, frustration and adverse emotions are linked to negative and destructive relationships. I will also explore Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic theory which suggests delinquent behavior is a product of abnormal personality structure formed early in life which consciously controls her choices. Juvenile Delinquency I will begin with Lakeisha McCoy a 16 year old girl living in Malvern Arkansas, a rural area in county seat of Hot Springs with the population of 9,021; (Wikipedia 2000) Lakeisha is from a single parent home with her mother and three other your female siblings surviving on the income $ 375 a week and no father figure in the home. Lakeisha’s mother works 40-50 hours per week at the Waffle House and has no daycare for the younger children .Therefore Lakeisha is unsupervised for better part of (6) hours after school due to her mother’s schedule. Lakiesha’s mother has an extensive criminal record possible mental illness, and was a troubled youth. She chooses boyfriends are less than desirable citizens most have little job security as well as drug and alcohol tendencies. Lakiesha was recently arrested for shoplifting at the local dollar store after stealing two pairs of shoes and three shirts. Next subject is Martin, a 14 year old male who lives in Dallas Texas, a large metropolitan city with the population of 1,299,543; (Wikipedia 2008) Martin is from a two parent household with one younger sister living on the annual income of $100,000.00 a year. Martin’s parents are both employed, however, they work opposite shifts to ensure at least one parent is available for supervision at all times. Both parents keep the children at home after school and they are not involved with any after school or extra family functions. Martin was arrested for breaking and entering into a neighbor’s home during the day when his mother was a doctor’s appointment with his younger sister. What would society believe to be the reasoning behind both Lakeisha and Martins crimes? Some would say â€Å"There just troubled kids† or maybe would say â€Å"It’s because neither had supervision†. However, research and theorists view it in a completely different way. Let’s look at Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic theory which suggests delinquent behavior is a bi product of abnormal personality structure formed early during the beginning stages of life. This theory would then explain her choices in relationships and how she feels about herself .Example mental torment can lead children into violence and aggression .An neglected child attention from peers will introduce them to a family structure or gang. This theory indicates that children act on unconscious needs and desires. With id, egos ,and super ego functioning together a child can live a normal in the aspects of personality if one becomes dominate then abnormal personality traits can be viewed in a â€Å"God† like complex.(Siegel et al.† 2003). Arousal theorists believe that obtaining thrills is a motivation of committing crimes. They believe children commit crimes like shoplifting for the thrill of possibly getting away with it .They also believe this directly linked environmental and genetic reasons and this group responds to a different brain stimuli. This might indicate that some children need more stimuli to feel comfortable which links higher degrees of excitement .The theories do not stop with just a chemical thrill seeking side of these children; there are a few other facts to consider. (Siegel et al., 2003) Robert Agnu’s General Strain Theory explores the notion that anger, frustration and adverse emotions are directly linked to negative and destructive relationships. Example, Lakeisha’s mother is one with abusive tendencies, she is ridiculed and called names which affects her behaviors both inside and outside the home by harboring a since of fear. Disappointment and anger. This eventually leads to antisocial behavior. He indicates that the negative behavior is linked to a certain peer group which might lead the adolescent to riskier behavior such as drug use. (Siegel et al., 2003). Also Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory suggest children exposed to and learn prosocial and antisocial attitudes and behavior ;meaning that the definitions of violating the law outweigh the definitions of being law abiding .Lakeisha’s mother has a long criminal record including , shoplifting , robbery and drug dealing. Since Lakeisha was exposed to this behavior most of her life, she begin to understand the law differently than a child whose parents were law abiding citizens. Terrence Thornberry’s interactional theory suggests most onset of criminal activity is linked to the weakening of social bonds during adolescence; marked by the deterioration of attachments of function within a society. It also believes that seriously delinquent children form a counter cultural belief system that justifies their behavior they interact with peer groups that that reinforce the same type of behavior and beliefs. This reinforces the term â€Å"Birds of a feat her flock together† .Together they may look for excitement and engage reckless behavior and by doing so; they will justify their actions by stating â€Å"we have to do something for enjoyment† (Siegel et al, 2002). In Lakeisha’s case all three theories can be tied to her behavior, individual sociological and developmental stages have all been tainted .From birth Lakeisha was statistically predisposed to commit crimes and have a delinquent youth. Today, there are 100,000 children incarcerated throughout the United States and the number in continuing to rise. Studies show that in 19999 there were nearly (2) million juvenile adjudicated in the United States courts. That is an increase of 27% since 1990. The number of drug law violations increased by 168% public order increased by 74% and offenses of a person increased by 55% (Puzzanchera, 1999). Martins’ case is linked more towards the interactional theory and arousal theory than the opposite. His behaviors seem easier to turn towards the positive aspect than the latter. After several years of juvenile justice the general consensus should consider exploring there issues first. look in and around all the theories and perhaps children can avoid obstacles in their way. REFERENCES Foster care and juvenile delinquency (n.d.) Retrieved July 24, 2010 , from http;// www,ark.edu/psyc112/fostercare/. Pussanchera, C (1999) The national juvenile court data archives. Retrived Oct 19, 2005 from Juvenile Court Statistics Web site: http//www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles I /ojjdp/201141.pdf#search=Juvenile%20statistics Siegel, L (2002) Juvenile delinquency, The Core, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Sigel. J., Welsh, B, C, Senna, J.J. (2003) Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, practice, and law (8th Ed.). United States: Thomson Wikipedia (2002).Retrieved July 27, 2010 from the free Encyclopedia Website: Wikipedia (2006) Retrieved July 27, 2010 from The free Enc Research Papers on Juvenile DelenquencyThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenThree Concepts of PsychodynamicHip-Hop is ArtThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductResearch Process Part One

Case Study Question Answering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Question Answering - Essay Example All these strategies by the school head should principally focus on student learning, by providing institutional and instructional leadership (Brown, 2010, p. 5). Mrs. Huda faces an enormous task in her new capacity as a high school headmistress for a new school. Mrs. Huda possesses hardworking and intelligent characteristics that came out clearly throughout her career and studies. She has a strong personality, serious about her duties, excellent and shows perseverance. After her studies, Mrs. Huda worked as a mathematics teacher. Because of her successes in her profession, she gained promotion within 7 years to a secondary school headmistress. She worked tirelessly as a headmistress, and after four years, her achievements were noticeable. The ministry and the educational zone took pride of her hard work. In her fifth year as school head, she was transferred to another school by her superiors who aimed at placing an experienced and hardworking headmistress as the school head. She ass umed her responsibility and functions in her new school with motivation and enthusiasm. However, as she went about her duties with strictness and highhandedness, some of the teachers disliked her leadership style, and they brought it up with the education zone and the ministry. These teachers accused the headmistress of imposing her views, scolding them and being impolite and cruel with her words. They also accused her of constantly changing administrative demands, being bossy and not considering the teachers social needs (Al-Waqfi, & Forstenlechner, 2009, p.2). If I were Mrs. Huda, acting as a school head, I would act appropriately to administrative issues arising in my school as highlighted in each of the following situations. When It Comes To My Knowledge That I Will Be Transferred To a New School During the school holiday, I would make an inquiry about the new school, students and faculty. I would also inquire about the parents and the culture of the school. I would make an asse ssment of the school and have clear goals and expectations. This assessment would establish what needs assessment, and the people to look up to for feedback. This assessment that is reliable and valid will then be linked to research-based standards. The data collected is vital in developing a holistic approach and view of the school performance and expectations. Making an inquiry about the school is necessary because it helps in developing a comprehensive plan for changing issues that need address (Claudet, 2007, p. 7). During The First Meeting with the Administrative Staff in the New School During the first meeting with the teaching and administrative staff, it is crucial to first highlight the issues that need change. I will introduce the assessment to the staff and press to them the need for addressing the issues (Claudet, 2007, p. 9). During this meeting, I will also announce my administrative policies, focused on improving the school. The staffs need to know that the policies n eed fast implementation and absolute commitment. I will also introduce clear expectations on the purpose and goals of the policies I intend to institute in the school. The easy-to-understand and explicit expectations and goals intend to provide a transparent environment for running the school (Ebmier, 2004, p. 7). When I Notice the Frequent Absence of Employees It is vital to investigate reasons for teacher’s absence from school. Then from this investigation, I would