There are many labelling theorists.
Lemet (1951) said to be the founder of original labelling theory or ‘’societal reaction’’ approach, distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance, whereas another theorist Becker (1963) among many who has contributed to our understanding of crime and deviancy, is considered to be the founder of labelling theory claimed social groups create deviance by making rules to set boundaries of what is and isn’t deviant, and then labelling particular individuals as deviants.
A strength of labelling theory approach to deviance is that it not only concentrates on the social reaction to deviance committed by individuals, as well as concentrating on the interaction processes leading to the labelling, these being two important elements of the theory.
The effects on the Individual of labelling are especially important.
Having being labelled, as a deviant, the individual according to Becker, then will accept the label, and for example turn to the life of crime, possibly with the help of a deviant subculture, feeling they have no other alternative.
The last part of the labelling theory is,’ deviant career’, this being when the labelled criminal evolves into a complete, absolute deviant.
Kai T Erikson (1966) also highlights the way social reaction affects the individual, he supports and reinforces what Becker suggests, he further suggests that deviance in a society is essential, and is beneficial for creating a boundary between good and evil.
Furthermore there are a number of policy implications to do with the labelling theory, a vast majority of them are impractical, such as the emphasis on rehabilitation, in helping the offenders be rehabilitated from the label, although negatively some will not agree to participate in this.
Another implication is that criminal law should intrude into people’s lives as less as possible, this is obviously something which may prove difficult as the law may need to intervene when its needed.
Labelling theory helps us make sense of crime and deviancy, but it doesn’t explain serious offending well, it tends to ignore those serious offences, hence cannot be applied universally. Also it assumes that those labelled do not want the label, whereas a number do, such as terrorists for example who strive for the label.
In conclusion labelling theory proposed by Becker (1963) suggests that no behaviour is deviant, criminal, until it is defined or labelled as. By labelling someone, this can be seen to influence actions.
As stated before there are many policy implications including, prosecution as a last resort, also law intruding into peoples lives as little as possible.
Labelling theory has become a dominant approach in the explanation of crime and deviance, therefore has aided our understanding of the subject greatly, with both positive and negative aspects.
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