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The labeling theory defines how people view themselves based on how others view them. This theory was coined by Howard Becker in the 1960s. Becker’s theory of labeling stated that an outsider view of person can lead to deviant behavior. If a group of individuals begin to label a person as a deviant, that individual will begin to view themself as a deviant. This can lead to mental illness, propensity to engage in criminal activity. Once an individual is labeled as a deviant, it becomes very challenging to be remove that categorization. Ex-convicts face uphill battles when attempting to locate employment. Employment applications ask if you have been convicted of crime. Since this information can be acquired quite easily, the potential candidate must be candid. I can only imagine the percentage of employers that disregard the application based on that Ex-convict disclosing past incarcerations.
I recall a major history making story than transpired in 1989, this story clearly depicts how labeling can change a person’s destiny. On April 1989, 28-year-old white women was found unconscious in central park. It was determined that the women as beat unconscious and raped. During that investigation, detectives ascertained that a group of 30-40 teenagers were terrorizing persons in the park. Detectives arrested 5 young teenagers. During the interrogations, the teenagers adamantly denied any involvement. The detectives labeled these young boys are perpetrators, after hours long interrogations, some the of the boys began to believe that they were “bad” and finally confessed to the crime. They were sentenced to prison ranging from 5 to 15 years. These young boys were stigmatized as rapists needless to say as a result of this label, prison was not easy. Even though, it was later learned that in fact they were innocent, they were still “labeled” them as criminals.
The labeling theory can affect a person’s self-concept, for example if a teenager lives in an area associated with gangs, the teenager even though not associated with any gangs, may get labeled as a gang member. After time that teenager’s self-concept may adjust, and he will begin to think he is part of the gang. Aside from the teenager being stigmatized, this may affect the teenager’s mental health, the teenagers could begin question self-worth as a result of this labeling. This can manifest into employment issues / intimacy issues. In an article “Labeling Theory and Mental Illness” written by Fred E. Markowitz says that The stigma associated with mental illness results in discrimination, loss of socioeconomic status, lowered sense of self-worth, and increased symptoms. Labeling theory is an explanatory framework that accounts for these effects. In light of developments in the understanding of the causes and treatment of mental illness.
As a former police officer, I am guilty of labeling, while working in one of the busiest precincts in New York, I began to view groups of males congregating as all gang members. This judgement on my part could have formulated based on the area, other officers, but still, it was not fair. If I approached this group every day and questioned their actions or accused them in participating in illegal activities, after constant labeling they may have resorted to deviant behavior. Certain aspects of the labeling theory can be debated, if a person is smoking marijuana, should that individual be labeled as a criminal or deviant. If that individual is diagnosed with cancer and utilizing marijuana as a means to ease the pain, should we still label that individual?
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