SOC310H5 Chapter Notes -Moral Panic, Labeling Theory
Document Summary
What to do about youth crime and future directions. Labeling theory argues that a young person"s self concept changes to be consistent with a label, making delinquent behavior more likely. Another solution is to make harsher and longer punishment. The fact that short sentences aren"t effective enough. Incarceration is popular because of moral panic in part. We have been socialized to think that crime is breaking the law and that if you cause harm, you should expect the same (retributive). There is also: boot camps, non rehabilitative sentences, longer terms. Non adversarial approach to justice that places emphasis on helping victims heal, offender accountability and community involvement. Some elements of restorative justice are currently being incorporated in the. Ycjs in canada in the form of youth justice committees, circle sentencing and victim-offender reconciliation programs. System based responses to youth crime are limited because they look at youth crime as the problem rather than systemic issues underlying youthful offending.
