The Definition Of Labeling Theory In Crime And Crime

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Labeling theory is derived from the idea that people see themselves through the eyes of others. Individuals have different meanings set aside for similar situations. For example, society might define something as criminal, while other individuals do not. This is the case for several moral vices, such as marijuana, or the use of the death penalty as a method of punishment. When there are negative meanings and interpretations for actions, people tend to label others based on their “evil” actions. When society labels an individual’s action as delinquent or evil, it begins to take on as a personal identity. The “dramatization of evil” occurs in a society because the community and its young individuals do not interpret situations, such as crime, in the same way. Their ideas clash, as most youth do not see their activities as criminal. They mostly respond with “it 's not hurting anyone” or “we’re just having fun.” As young delinquents engage in their initial criminal act, Labeling Theory recognizes this as their “primary deviance.” Once the community becomes aware of the primary deviance, they view the individual as nothing more than a delinquent. A secondary deviance can then …show more content…

Robert’s primary deviance was participating gang related criminal activities. He was arrested, charged, and convicted for aggravated assault at the age 17. By that time, his community had already given him a master status of “big-time drug dealer” (Anderson, 1999, p. 290). He had a reputation and he upheld it well. Robert was considered a strong, dangerous drug dealer who was not to be messed with. For this reason, many feared him. His master status changed in prison, as he went through many humiliations and constant bad treatment from white prison guards. Robert began to reconsider his lifestyle and dedicated his time to reading the Bible, studying, and putting his old life

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