Continuation of Labelling Theory and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
This page continues the discussion on labelling theory and self-fulfilling prophecy, providing more detail on how these concepts relate to crime and deviance.
The self-fulfilling prophecy cycle is further elaborated:
- A person engages in criminal acts and is caught by police
- They are sent to prison
- Upon release, they struggle to find employment and may experience relationship breakdowns
- They accept the master status of "criminal"
- This may lead them to associate with others who define themselves as criminals
- The cycle continues, reinforcing the criminal label
Highlight: The master status of "criminal" can overshadow all other aspects of a person's identity, making it challenging to break free from the cycle of crime.
This page emphasizes how labelling theory explains the persistence of criminal behavior and the difficulties faced by individuals trying to reintegrate into society after being labelled as deviant.
Example: A person with a criminal record may find it nearly impossible to secure legitimate employment, pushing them back towards criminal activities as a means of survival.
The Marxist perspective on crime and capitalism and labelling theory offer complementary views on the societal factors contributing to crime. While Marxism focuses on economic structures, labelling theory highlights the role of social interactions and perceptions in perpetuating criminal behavior.
Vocabulary: Master status - The primary identifying characteristic of an individual that overshadows all other aspects of their identity.
Understanding these sociological theories of crime is crucial for developing effective crime prevention strategies and rehabilitation programs that address both systemic inequalities and the power of social labelling.