Modern Labeling Theory of Crime

MODERN LABELING THEORY THEORY OF CRIME Tannenbacum (1938) •

Tagging, defining, segregating by labeling.

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Labeling helps treatment

Lemert (1951) •

Primary and secondary deviance

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Primary – they do not see themselves as deviant

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Secondary – they accept deviant status

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Primary deviance – biological, psychological,sociological psychological,sociological reasons

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Secondary – social reaction to primary deviance

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Crimes created – by laws

Ditton(1979) •

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Contrology  – state power to control crime Criminal justice agencies – social control control mechanisms Crime Control – education, mental health, mass media Ultimate Goal – to control troublesome population

John Braithwaite •

Re integrative theory on social control

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Disintegrative social control

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Difficult to return back to society

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Branded as criminals

Re integrating •

To decertify the offenders as deviant

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Modern Society – increase in deviants

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To give opportunities to shun deviant role

Howard Becker •

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Theory of labeling (social reaction theory) Rule making different from rule – breaking behavior Becker labels them as ‘outsider’

They accept the label Deviants first indulge in primary They step into secondary Those denied legitimate turns to illegitimate Labeled join organized group He learns new forms of deviance

Classification Of Criminals 1. Rule Ab Abiding – conforming 2. Fals alsely Accused sed – labeled without breaking law 3. Pure Deviants – law breaking 4. Secret Deviants ants – those that break law avoid labeling

Criticism •

Purely theoritical

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Distinction between primary, primary, secondary

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Lack of empirical support

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A deviant is one to whom people so label.