Four elements of labeling theory (Becker; Lemert)

1. Social label attached to certain behaviors

2. Criminality determined mostly by social roles

Primary versus secondary deviance (Lemert)

Master status

3. Social control worsens problem of crime

How does this compare with deterrence theory?

4. Relative power of person labeled and person labeling

The Saints and the Roughnecks (Chambliss)

Glen Ridge Rape case

Policy Implications

1. Impact of labeling according to labeling theorists
2. Reintegrative Shaming (Braithwaite)

Criticisms?

Discussion Question

Think of an instance in which you were labeled. The object of the label doesn't have to be a crime (for example, you could have been labeled for being overweight, being a smoker, being sexually promiscuous, being a grind). How did that label make you feel? How do others in your group perceive the effects of the label?