... groups. For example, sociologist Erving Goffman applies the concept of stigma, or more commonly, labeling; stating that ones behavior and actions deemed deviant are applied by others (Turner, 1996). Howard Becker's definition seems to be commonly accepted as an adequate description of this concept, asserting that deviance is whatever a social audience reacts against or labels as deviant. However, another sociologist, Erdwin ... were still deviant. Derrick has been stigmatized at an early age due to label. The labeling theory is one way to explain how deviance is socially constructed. Ac...

• Word Count: 2437
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... . The main idea of looking glass self is that one defines themselves according to how society perceives them (www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/becker.htm.) George Mead's contributions to labeling theory is the self is a product ones own self perception of social symbols and interaction. This ... that is how society views that individual. After being labeled deviant and accepting the label an individual is more likely to keep committing crimes. Howard Becker, the founder of labeling theory, states that ""Deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence o...

• Word Count: 1286
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... past thirty years. "Deviance is not a quality of the act... The deviant is one to whom that label has successfully been applied; deviant behaviour is behaviour people so label". (Howard Becker, "The Outsiders", 1963) From this perspective, the reactions of those labelled and those who label are of importance. In studying Deviance from an interactionist angle, sociologists are interested in ... how such individuals cope with this imposed label, do they ignore the label or do they accept it and internalise the label and stigma surrounding their actions? (Gove, 1975) Becker's approach has i...

• Word Count: 2405
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate