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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
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Sociology
9 Dec 2025
192
3 pages
Labelling theoryfundamentally explores how societal reactions shape deviant behavior, with key contributions from Lemert and Young demonstrating... Show more
This section explores Lemert's (1951) crucial distinction between primary and secondary deviance, establishing fundamental concepts in labelling theory criminology.
Definition Primary deviance refers to acts that occur without public labelling, while secondary deviance results from societal reaction and labelling.
Example Fare dodging represents primary deviance as it often goes undetected and doesn't affect self-identity.
Highlight The progression to secondary deviance can lead to a deviant career, where individuals join subcultures that reinforce their deviant identity.
Young's study of hippie marijuana users demonstrates these concepts in action
Vocabulary Master status refers to a label that overshadows all other aspects of an individual's identity.
This page presents critical analysis of Lemert and Young's contributions to labelling theory crime and deviance.
Highlight Social control processes, ironically, can produce the very behavior they aim to prevent.
Quote "We can't predict if someone whose labelled will have a deviant career- they have the ability to choose to not deviate any further." - Downes and Rock (2003)
The evaluation emphasizes that while labelling can lead to deviant careers, this outcome isn't inevitable, acknowledging individual agency in responding to labels.
Criticism A key criticism of labelling theory is its potential determinism, though theorists maintain individuals retain choice in their response to labels.
This page introduces the key theorists Lemert and Young and their contributions to understanding how labelling affects deviant behavior. Their work forms the cornerstone of modern labelling theory in sociology.
Definition Labelling theory examines how society's reaction to behavior can influence whether it becomes deviant.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of strain and subcultural theories in crime and deviance. This summary covers Merton's strain theory, Cohen's status frustration, and Durkheim's functionalism, highlighting their critiques and implications for understanding deviant behavior. Ideal for sociology students studying crime theories.
SociologyExplore the Marxist explanation of crime, focusing on how capitalism creates inequality and influences criminal behavior. This summary covers key concepts such as criminogenic factors, the role of the bourgeoisie and proletariat, and the impact of social class on crime rates. Ideal for sociology students studying crime and deviance theories.
SociologyExplore the intricate relationships between crime, ethnicity, gender, and social class. This summary delves into key sociological theories, white-collar crime, and the impact of statistics on understanding crime trends. Ideal for students studying crime and deviance.
SociologyExplore key sociological perspectives on crime and deviance, including Functionalism, Marxism, Neo-Marxism, Interactionism, and Realism. This summary covers the causes of crime, the role of social control, and the impact of societal reactions. Ideal for students studying criminology and sociology.
SociologyExplore the intricacies of labelling theory and its impact on crime and deviance. This mind map covers key concepts such as moral panic, primary and secondary deviance, and the role of social control in defining deviant behavior. Ideal for sociology students seeking to understand the social construction of deviance and the effects of labelling in society.
SociologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Labelling theory fundamentally explores how societal reactions shape deviant behavior, with key contributions from Lemert and Young demonstrating the progression from primary to secondary deviance. Their work illuminates how social labeling can create self-fulfilling prophecies and deviant careers.
• Lemert's... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section explores Lemert's (1951) crucial distinction between primary and secondary deviance, establishing fundamental concepts in labelling theory criminology.
Definition: Primary deviance refers to acts that occur without public labelling, while secondary deviance results from societal reaction and labelling.
Example: Fare dodging represents primary deviance as it often goes undetected and doesn't affect self-identity.
Highlight: The progression to secondary deviance can lead to a deviant career, where individuals join subcultures that reinforce their deviant identity.
Young's study of hippie marijuana users demonstrates these concepts in action:
Vocabulary: Master status refers to a label that overshadows all other aspects of an individual's identity.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page presents critical analysis of Lemert and Young's contributions to labelling theory crime and deviance.
Highlight: Social control processes, ironically, can produce the very behavior they aim to prevent.
Quote: "We can't predict if someone whose labelled will have a deviant career- they have the ability to choose to not deviate any further." - Downes and Rock (2003)
The evaluation emphasizes that while labelling can lead to deviant careers, this outcome isn't inevitable, acknowledging individual agency in responding to labels.
Criticism: A key criticism of labelling theory is its potential determinism, though theorists maintain individuals retain choice in their response to labels.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page introduces the key theorists Lemert and Young and their contributions to understanding how labelling affects deviant behavior. Their work forms the cornerstone of modern labelling theory in sociology.
Definition: Labelling theory examines how society's reaction to behavior can influence whether it becomes deviant.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
17
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the key concepts of strain and subcultural theories in crime and deviance. This summary covers Merton's strain theory, Cohen's status frustration, and Durkheim's functionalism, highlighting their critiques and implications for understanding deviant behavior. Ideal for sociology students studying crime theories.
SociologyExplore the Marxist explanation of crime, focusing on how capitalism creates inequality and influences criminal behavior. This summary covers key concepts such as criminogenic factors, the role of the bourgeoisie and proletariat, and the impact of social class on crime rates. Ideal for sociology students studying crime and deviance theories.
SociologyExplore the intricate relationships between crime, ethnicity, gender, and social class. This summary delves into key sociological theories, white-collar crime, and the impact of statistics on understanding crime trends. Ideal for students studying crime and deviance.
SociologyExplore key sociological perspectives on crime and deviance, including Functionalism, Marxism, Neo-Marxism, Interactionism, and Realism. This summary covers the causes of crime, the role of social control, and the impact of societal reactions. Ideal for students studying criminology and sociology.
SociologyExplore the intricacies of labelling theory and its impact on crime and deviance. This mind map covers key concepts such as moral panic, primary and secondary deviance, and the role of social control in defining deviant behavior. Ideal for sociology students seeking to understand the social construction of deviance and the effects of labelling in society.
SociologyQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
