Arguably, one of the promising approaches in the development of deviance has probably been labeling approach. Labeling theory as developed by Becker asserts that when individuals in society commit crime, the society will label him/her a criminal; hence, there is a possibility that the person will accept the label and continue being part of the label (Welsh & Siegel, 201)1. In the contemporary society, I believe Becker contend on labeling social reaction is true. Labeling social reaction plays a tremendous role in shaping delinquency than the behavior of an individual.
Becker’s work emphasizes on the reaction of the society reacts to the criminal in terms of labeling. In most cases, people in society receive a lot of labeling, of which will continue even if the individual change from his bad behaviors to good (Welsh & Siegel, 2011). Individuals who have been labeled as criminals are always the first suspects in case a crime is committed in the society. The label on an individual becomes the master status. Additionally, the society will use the status to classify and identify the individual as a criminal. In fact, the status that an individual has in society are no longer visible of recognized (Siegel, 2010). For example, if a person labeled a criminal is a spouse, parent, teacher or employee, this will never be recognized by society. Based on real life situations, the major status branded on an individual as a criminal overrules the other good status.
Conversably, individuals labeled as criminals may conform to the rules, norms and values of the society but due to continued labeling, an individual will accept the identity change and act like a criminal. Individuals labeled by society as criminals will continue his/her delinquent behaviors by stopping any contact with conformist, and begin to interact with other individuals labeled as criminals (Siegel, 2010). Hence, it is evident that social reaction to behavior is more crucial than the behavior itself in the process of shaping delinquency.
References
Siegel, L. (2010). Criminology: The Core. London: Wadsworth
Welsh, B & Siegel, L. (2011). Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law. New York:
Springer
