Labeling Theories

Meaning of crime to the self Symbolic interactionism – our self-image is shaped through social interaction Labeling theory – we think of ourselves as others define us –As children grow older and engage in increasingly adventurous activities, their labels can change from “just being a kid,” to “a good kid acting badly”, to “a bad kid” Lemert- general theory of deviance –Criminal behavior BEGINS because of other factors (biological, sociological, social learning, etc.) –If bad behavior persists outsiders may label someone as “delinquent” and attach the social meanings of the label –Those who continue behaving poorly adopt the self-image of a delinquent, as such are defined by society –This “redefinition of self” persists independently of the original causes of the behavior

Meaning of crime to oneself – Labeling process BUT - maintaining a non-criminal self-image is important to many –Justifications and neutralizers used to excuse their conduct To make labels stick society applies threats and sanctions –Criminal law is the ultimate threat to one’s identity –Sticky labels – such as convictions and imprisonment – can make it difficult for those so labeled to reform Redefinition of self (justifications no longer work) Violator ostracized from conventional society Cannot obtain legitimate employment Must turn to deviance and deviant outsiders to satisfy social and material needs

Arguments against... Labeling theorists overemphasize its power –Labeling does not automatically lead to deviancy Some deviants may actually seek out the label Typical law-abiding persons are law-abiding because they want to avoid being labeled –Reducing the stigma may INCREASE criminal behavior

A different approach: What crime “means” to criminals Katz – “Seductions of Crime” –Crime cannot be explained by “background variables” (race, class, gender, demography, etc.) –Crime best explained by examining “foreground” variables: What does it feel like to commit a crime? What are criminals trying to accomplish? –Crime motivated by the need to transcend “moral challenges Passion killers: escape humiliating situation Delinquents: demonstrate personal competence Gang members: response to “humbling” by conventional society –Crime reinforced by the “thrill” of its commission Existing criminological work on organized and white collar crime addresses their “lived meanings” –Satisfaction of “getting it over” on “marks” –Joys of thumbing one’s nose at conventional society