Labeling Theory Essay

444 Words1 Page

(education, local authority and Government). Label theory suggests deviancy is normal in child/adolescent development but poor children and ethnic minorities are more likely to be labelled deviant (ThoughtCo 2017) Cicourel argues that CJS pre conceptions explain why the majority of delinquents come from the working class. Police assumptions are based on preconceptions of location (class) and visual information (age, race, gender), and result in discrimination. This is seen in the rates of young black and minority ethnic males forced into ‘Stop and Search’ in Inner city areas and their over representation in the CJS. (Taylor, 2006) Stereotypical beliefs around delinquency perpetuate the cycle. Middle class delinquents may be perceived as having “accidentally strayed from … …show more content…

Others may treat them differently thus reinforcing the label. The individual may feel alienated, accepting the label and perceiving themselves as deviant, therefore fulfilling the expectations of the label, displaying deviancy amplification, and becoming the self-fulfilling prophecy. (Hectic Teacher n.d.) naming and shaming’ offenders is objected to within labelling theory as it creates a misconception they are different and can cause further deviance. Many youngsters engage in activities that break the law and do not grow up to be criminals (Robins, 1978) and labelling theory is clear that policies should attempt to prevent labelling minor delinquent acts. Cicourel states “defining a young person as a delinquent is complex, and it involves a series of interactions based on sets of meanings held by the participants” (Revise Sociology, 2017) It is the societal reaction that affects the rate of delinquency. It is the agencies of social control that produce delinquents.” Cicourel also questions the meaning placed on statistics (Get Revising, 2017) and there

More about Labeling Theory Essay

Open Document