Introduction
Labeling theory refers to the ideology that one becomes deviant only in circumstances that they are labelled deviant by the society. Labeled individuals include criminals, prostitutes, alcoholics, drug addicts, and sex offenders. People with negative labels are more likely to hate themselves, have lower self-esteem, and may even act more deviant in some instances. The reactions of labeled persons are as a result of an attempt to modify self-image and stigmatization. Moreover, individuals who assent the labels normally have a rough time in changing people`s perspectives and opinions towards them even if the labels do not hold. Behaviour is viewed as deviant other than right or wrong through labeling theory. Labeling theory questions why people apply different labels to others and the consequences of labeling.
Application of the labeling theory towards prevention and control of crime
Labelling theory is extremely beneficial in comprehending the rise of different cultures such as hood culture and gang culture. In most instances, gang and hood cultures arise as a result of labelling young offenders as criminals rather than determining the underlying causes of anti-social behaviours. If a society, through a court of law, family or peers label one negatively, he or she is likely to be stigmatized or develop a negative self-image. Negative labels are given to individuals in degrading ceremonies such as a court trial, suspension hearing in a school or during home and school punishments. Youths who are labelled criminals, prostitutes or bullies may not only hold to such labels but also believe in those labels. Therefore, the individuals will commence to act as the labels as he or she believes that he or she is immoral and what he or she does is what immoral people should do. Negative labels also transforms an individual`s identity into an evil person from a doer of evil. All in all, social labeling theory asserts that people begin by appreciating the fact that they are wrong doers and are changed into appreciating that they are immoral people. They believe that people do not appreciate understand them.
The most affected group by negative labels are juveniles. Juveniles are stigmatized by law enforcement and their teachers. Negative labels affect a few juveniles in future as explained by social labeling theory. Nevertheless, labeling theory can be used as a device in preventing and controlling crimes. Individuals should be positively encouraged. Positive reinforcement makes people develop self-esteem. This in turn enables them to believe in good deeds and behave in a socially accepted manner. Positive labeling also makes one appreciate his or her being in the world. One is also able to build a positive attitude full of trust in people. Therefore, crime can be prevented through positive labeling as people who are positively labeled will behave well.
Programs, policies, or processes which are based on making sure labeling does not occur
There are various actions the criminal justice system, schools and other institutions can take to ensure labelling does not occur. Firstly, institutions can come up with effective counselling, advice and systems that can be used to help individuals with deviant behaviours change. Through counselling programs, an individual can be made to appreciate the essence of behaving ethically and in a socially accepted manner. Secondly, there is a need to determine the underlying causes of deviant behaviours. Institutions such as voluntary organizations should be set up to look keenly into the underlying causes of deviance. This is because young people react negatively towards problems such as domestic violence, lack of money and communication difficulties. Statutory, professional or voluntary organizations can be set up to help people having such issues in order to prevent anti-social behaviours. Therefore, labeling can be prevented through tackling general causes of anti-social behaviours such as drug abuse, unemployment, poor education attainment and family problems.
Relationship of programs, policies, or processes that can be used to ensure labelling does not occur
The programs or policies used to ensure labelling does not occur are related since they are the main causes of deviance. People react negatively as a result of problems. Most young people become deviant due to poor communication, lack of education, and domestic violence. Programs aimed at counselling drug addicts and victims of domestic violence and programs aimed at offering financial assistance are extremely related. These programs are related as they aim at ensuring labelling does not occur. These programs are also related in that in most cases they aim at the same individuals. For instance, individuals who lack adequate finances are the ones who lack access to proper education.
Recommendations
Institutions such as criminal justice system, schools and the society play a significant role in enhancing adverse effects of negative labeling. Nevertheless, the institutions are in a position to reduce the effects of negative labelling. Firstly, there is a need to rethink on the punishment inflicted on offenders. Offenders ought to be given a second chance so as to enable them correct their deviant behaviours.
Secondly, there is a need to investigate the causes of anti-social behaviours. Institutions should not put much weight on the kind of punishment offered to law breakers. This will not only reduce the consequences of negative labelling but also make the juvenile feel appreciated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, labelling theory is based on the fact that deviant behaviour is as a result negative labelling by the society. Therefore, an individual is most likely to believe that he is an immoral person if he is made to feel so by his or her parents, teachers or the justice system.
References
Siegel, L. J. (2012). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies (11, Illustrated ed.). Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage Learning.
Clinard, M. B., & Meier, R. F. (2010). Sociology of Deviant Behavior (14 ed.). Stamford, Connecticut: Cengage Learning.
Maddan, S. (2008). The Labeling of Sex Offenders: The Unintended Consequences of the Best Intentioned Public Policies (Illustrated ed.). Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America.
