Labeling Theory

1
Labeling Theory

• Basic issue if definitions of situations are
  determined by language and interaction, why not
  definitions of individuals and groups?
• Stigma (Erving Goffman)
• mostly informal situations
• people are categorized as not quite human
• socially isolate ostracized
• A form of labeling
• Formal labeling also exists

2
Labeling theory

• The self is formed and reformed via interactions
  with a community
• Labeling may affect the self
• It may become true
• Edwin Lemert it may become really true
• Primary deviance
• Secondary deviance
• Thomas Scheff It may become true for all
  practical purposes (contra Walter Gove)

3
Labeling theory how could a label become
true?NOTE we did not cover this slide in
class, but Stark covers Liska in the textbook

• Allen E. Liska deviant labels may
• Limit legitimate economic/occupational
  opportunities
• Limit interpersonal relations
• Affect self-conceptions

4
Official labeling

• done via an organized system of laws and/or
  procedures
• always categorizes people into one of a handful
  of contrasting categories
• peoples individual beliefs no longer matter
• effects are typically extremely important for the
  persons life

5
Edwin Schur, The Labeling of Deviance general
processes when acquiring a label

• NOTE we did not cover this slide, so ignore it.
• negotiation
• stereotyping
• retrospective interpretation
• role engulfment

6
Why is it a special issue in law enforcement
social control?

• Need for categorization (the purpose of a
  trialwhere the law is a blunt instrument with
  few options)
• The stakes are high
• The situation is often uncertain and ambiguous

7
Uncertainty why?

• There is often little direct evidence
• Witnesses lie, or are mistaken, or cover up, or
  arent credible
• Evidence may be merely suggestive, not conclusive
  
• Money, personnel, and time are always tight
  there is not the luxury to deal with every last
  bit of evidence (unlike on CSI)

8
High stakes?

• At issue Life, death, property, safety, and
  careers
• Families want justice
• There is political pressure (and punishment)
  for failure to convict, especially in high
  profile cases, but also over time.
• Pressure extends to witnesses (both personal and
  professional pressures)
• One must suppress uncertainty and never show it
  to outsiders (party line)
• There is no reward for acquitting an innocent
  person (theres still an uncleared crime on the
  books)