Explain labeling theory and discuss the strengths and the criticisms of it

What will be an ideal response?


Feedback: Labeling theory is the view of deviant behavior that stresses the importance of the society in defining what is illegal and in assigning deviant status to particular individuals, which in turn dominates their identities and behaviors. Strengths are that it (1) concentrates on the role of societal reactions in the creation of deviance, (2) realizes that the label is applied disproportionately to the powerless, and (3) explains how deviant careers are established and perpetuated. Labeling theory has been criticized because it (1) disregards undetected deviance, (2) assumes that deviants are really normal because we are all rule breakers, (3) relieves the individual from blame, and (4) focuses on certain types of deviance but ignores deviance by the powerful.

Sociology

You might also like to view...

The general view about marriage among all racial and ethnic groups studied by Eden and Kefalas is that

a. marriage is necessary to best support and raise children. b. being married is first and foremost about romance. c. a marriage is just a piece of paper. d. being married changes things for the worse.

Sociology

The key to social change in social inequality has been ________

a. proactive government intervention b. resistance by subordinate groups c. advocacy by White Americans d. the melting pot philosophy of most Americans

Sociology

A style of love involving self-sacrifice is called

A) eros. B) pragma. C) storge. D) agape.

Sociology

A child who is deprived of physical contact may eventually have a difficult time:

a. distinguishing between needs and wants. b. establishing loving relationships. c. identifying the proper gender roles. d. recognizing right and wrong.

Sociology