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Key Themes of Labeling Theory

Key Themes of Labeling Theory. The role of identity/self-concept in criminal behavior Distinction between “primary” and “secondary” deviation The role of “audiences” in the development of delinquent trajectories. Are Deviant Labels Differentially Applied?.

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Key Themes of Labeling Theory

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  1. Key Themes of Labeling Theory • The role of identity/self-concept in criminal behavior • Distinction between “primary” and “secondary” deviation • The role of “audiences” in the development of delinquent trajectories

  2. Are Deviant Labels Differentially Applied? • Saints and the Roughnecks (Chambliss 1973)

  3. Matsueda • Mead and Symbolic Interactionism: the self as constructed through interactions with others • Reflected appraisals: “how one perceives the way others see one” • Causal significance of reflected appraisals: Matsueda finds that perceptions of oneself as a “rule violator” related to delinquency.

  4. Becker’s Approach to Labeling • Interested in sustained patterns of deviant activity • In contrast, “casual” deviance may be explained by other theoretical approaches • E.g., control theory • Techniques of neutralization

  5. Becker: Outsiders • A single criminal act can result in criminal labeling. What are the consequences? • “Master” vs. “auxiliary” status traits • Master status: key trait that distinguishes those who “belong” from those who don’t. • Auxiliary status: traits associated with a master status trait • Person committing one crime may be viewed as likely to commit another (criminal status subordinates all others)

  6. Becker: Outsiders • The “self-fulfilling prophecy” of a generally deviant label • Cut off from conventional groups • “Treatment” (e.g., of drug addicts) may result in further deviance

  7. Becker’s Focus on Stable Patterns of Deviance • How does a stable pattern of deviance emerge? • Movement into organized group • Resulting new identity

  8. Labeling Theory as a Developmental Approach? • Is labeling theory developmental? • How do control theory and labeling theory differ in their explanations for why incarceration leads to increases in the likelihood of recidivism?

  9. Versatility and Specialization in Labeling Theory • Can labeled criminals acquire a versatile pattern of deviance • Vs. self control approach, e.g.

  10. Theoretical IntegrationPitfalls and Concerns • Theory integration versus competition • “Crucial tests” as opportunities for adjudication; unfortunately, these tests are not always feasible and are rarely definitive when attempted

  11. Theoretical IntegrationTypes • Up-and-down: deductive integration • See general theories • Side-by-side: parallel integration • See typological theories • End-to-end: sequential integration • See developmental theories • Cross-level: integration across levels of analysis

  12. Elliott, Huizinga, AgetonIntegrated Theory of Delinquency and Drug Use • Individual level theory

  13. Elliott, Huizinga, Ageton (1985)Basic Assumptions of Strain, Control, and Learning Theories • Strain: motivation to delinquency is variable, socialization/bonding constant • Control: socialization/bonding variable, motivation constant • Learning: neither socialization/bonding nor motivation constant

  14. Elliott, Huizinga, AgetonIntegrating Strain and Control • Kornhauser: Control theory must grant variability in motivation but limited variation in strain and it works through controls to affect delinquency • EHA: limited variability does not preclude causation; strain may work through controls and directly affect delinquency

  15. Elliott, Huizinga, and Ageton’s (1985) Control Model (Stage 1) Inadequate socialization Weak conventional bonding Delinquency Social disorganization

  16. Elliott, Huizinga, and Ageton’s (1985) Integrated Control-Strain Model (Stage 2) Strain (blocked access) Inadequate socialization Weak conventional bonding Delinquency Social disorganization

  17. Elliott, Huizinga, and Ageton’s (1985) Fully Integrated Model Strain (blocked access) Inadequate socialization Weak conventional bonding Strong delinquent bonding Delinquency Social disorganization

  18. Elliott, Huizinga, and Ageton’s (1985) Assumptions behind the learning-control integration Conventional socialization outcome Strong bonds Weak bonds Frequent serious delinquency Frequent non- serious delinquency Strong bonds Weak bonds High rewards and low costs High rewards and high costs Deviant socialization outcome Infrequent non- serious delinquency No delinquency Low rewards and low costs Low rewards and high costs

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