Analyse two effects of the labelling process on individuals and groups (10 marks)
Evaluate the contribution of labelling theory to our understanding of crime and
deviance (30 marks)
The labelling theory is seen as a useful explanation for crime because it helps us to
recognise how a deviant status occurs. Becker notes that once someone is labelled
deviant it becomes a part of their identity even though the act they committed may
not be inherently criminal therefore implying crime is a social construct.
Pillavin and Briar expand on this and suggest that it depends on several factors such
as physical one's (mannerisms and dress sense). They recognise other ethnic
minorities such as black and Asians are more likely to be targeted and arrested
because police had to typification's of what a usual offender looked like.
This is seen as useful and relevant because it reflects the police brutality in America
today in which media outlets have shown unfair treatment by police towards
minorities.
Cicourel also notes that ‘negotiation of justice’ can occur where a middle-class
person is likely to get away with an offence as opposed to homeless youth. This has
been challenged by agents recently who have been making an example of elitists
and the rich who commit crime. An example would be famous actress Lori Loughlin
who committed illegal acts to get their daughters into a prestigious university and is
currently facing a prison sentence. Ultimately, some would say her punishment is not
harsh enough, but it shows the labels and stereotypes are becoming progressive
where justice can be served no matter what class contradicting Marxist beliefs. It is
therefore a useful explanation of crime because it shows labels can have massive
impacts.
The labelling theory is also seen as useful explanation because…
Evaluate the contribution of labelling theory to our understanding of crime and
deviance (30 marks)
The labelling theory is seen as a useful explanation for crime because it helps us to
recognise how a deviant status occurs. Becker notes that once someone is labelled
deviant it becomes a part of their identity even though the act they committed may
not be inherently criminal therefore implying crime is a social construct.
Pillavin and Briar expand on this and suggest that it depends on several factors such
as physical one's (mannerisms and dress sense). They recognise other ethnic
minorities such as black and Asians are more likely to be targeted and arrested
because police had to typification's of what a usual offender looked like.
This is seen as useful and relevant because it reflects the police brutality in America
today in which media outlets have shown unfair treatment by police towards
minorities.
Cicourel also notes that ‘negotiation of justice’ can occur where a middle-class
person is likely to get away with an offence as opposed to homeless youth. This has
been challenged by agents recently who have been making an example of elitists
and the rich who commit crime. An example would be famous actress Lori Loughlin
who committed illegal acts to get their daughters into a prestigious university and is
currently facing a prison sentence. Ultimately, some would say her punishment is not
harsh enough, but it shows the labels and stereotypes are becoming progressive
where justice can be served no matter what class contradicting Marxist beliefs. It is
therefore a useful explanation of crime because it shows labels can have massive
impacts.
The labelling theory is also seen as useful explanation because…
