SOC 201 Chapter 11: Chapter 11.22
Document Summary
Labeling theorists take note of the fact that being judged and labeled deviant has significant consequences for people"s behavior. Let"s take the hypothetical case of bob, who has just graduated from high school. One night bob and three of his friends (including melissa, his girlfriend) decide to steal a car and take it for a joyride. Actually bob has chugged so much beer that he can barely walk, let alone go for a ride. But after listening to his friends cluck and call him a chicken, he goes along. As soon as he gets into the car, however, he throws up and passes out. Meanwhile, john, the guy who"s driving, has had a few too many beers himself and wanders all over the road. This catches the attention of the police in a patrol car, which comes up behind the stolen car with lights flashing.
