What is the Labeling Theory?

1. What is deviance?

Deviance is basically someone being different from social norms. They are considered to be

deviant because they aren’t what I would call “a social robot”, for example, because I have a

tattoo I’m considered in societies to be a deviant. One is deviant depending on who is doing

the judging.

2. What is Durkheim’s Theory of Crime?

Durkheim’s Theory of Crime basically states that crime/deviance is both normal and necessary.

It also indicates that with crime everyone in the society doesn’t have the same standards.

“Crime as a function keeps a society in the state of progression”. (pg 5 Chapter 7 Outline)

Crime shows boundaries between what is the appropriate form of behaviour.

3. What is Merton’s Theory of Anomie?

The Merton’s Theory of Anomie is a variation of the Durkheim’s Theory of Crime. Within this

theory he states that breaking the rules is a normal act for some segments of any society.

Merton insisted that a good deal of deviance can be understood in terms of people’s

responses to the challenge of using approved means to reach approved goals.

4. Who is Edwin Sutherland?

Edwin Sutherland developed the differential association and produced the notion of white-

collar crimes.

5. What is the differential Association?

Differential association is a theory to explain crime and delinquency in terms of exposure to

more favorable than unfavorable definitions of illegal behaviour.

6. What is the Labeling Theory?

The Labeling Theory comes out of symbolic interactions people become deviant as they are

defined and treated as deviants. It has two components which are primary and secondary

deviance. Primary is deviant behaviour by someone who still defines themselves as

conforming rather than deviant. Secondary is the individual begins to define themselves the

way others have labeled them. The theory highlights the power of significant others to affect

an individual’s self-concept and behavior.