SOC 2700 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Frank Tannenbaum, Deinstitutionalisation, Labeling Theory

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2700
• Professor: Stephanie Howells

Document Summary

Labeling theory is so name because of its focus on the informal and formal application of stig(cid:373)atizi(cid:374)g, de(cid:448)ia(cid:374)t (cid:862)la(cid:271)els(cid:863) o(cid:396) tags (cid:271)(cid:455) so(cid:272)iet(cid:455) o(cid:374) so(cid:373)e of its (cid:373)e(cid:373)(cid:271)e(cid:396) Treats labels as both a dependent variable (effect) and an independent variable (cause) Social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance, and by applying those rules to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. Labeling theorist contend that the actual deviant behavior of those who are labeled is itself of secondary importance. Usual answer: agents of control, who function on behalf of the powerful in society, impose the labels on the less powerful. Powerful in society decide which behavior will be banned or discredited as deviant or illegal. Designation of an individual as criminal or deviant is not directly determined by whether or not he or she has actually violated the law or committed the deviant act.