Labelling theory is very useful in explaining criminal behaviour. Labelling theory is one of the theories which explain the causes of deviant and criminal behaviour in society. It gives an insight on what could make an individual be attracted to criminal behavior as opposed to morally desirable behavior.

Strain theory, in sociology, proposal that pressure derived from social factors, such as lack of income or lack of quality education, drives individuals to commit crime. Other researchers set forth similar ideas, including American criminologist Albert Cohen and American sociologists Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin..

Social strain theory was developed by famed American sociologist Robert K. Merton. The theory states that social structures may pressure citizens to commit crimes. Strain may be structural, which refers to the processes at the societal level that filter down and affect how the individual perceives his or her needs.

Howard S. Becker

Labeling theory (also referred to as societal reaction theory) analyzes how social groups create and apply definitions for deviant behavior. Sociologist Howard Becker is credited with the most influential formulation of labeling theory, which appears in his book Outsiders (1973).

Labelling or labeling is describing someone or something in a word or short phrase. For example, describing someone who has broken a law as a criminal. Labelling is often equivalent to pigeonholing or the use of stereotypes and can suffer from the same problems as these activities.

When you label yourself as part of a particular group, it gives you a “mental shortcut” on how you should think and behave. Instead of thinking for yourself, all you need to do is copy what other members of your group are doing. As a result, labeling yourself can often lead to blind conformity.

The Effect of Positive Labeling (Praise and Encouragement) You are more capable. You live up to the labels you attach to yourself. If you think you’re a winner, even if you’re not, you will act and think like a winner – until you eventually become one.

Critics of labeling theory argue that it ignores factors—such as differences in socialization, attitudes, and opportunities—that lead to deviant acts. 3 They also assert that it’s not entirely certain whether labeling increases deviancy.

“Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but they also constrain our understanding.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. We as humans are constantly labelling, judging, and assigning personal beliefs/ideals when attempting to understand or absorb new knowledge.

Labeling is just the start in the process of better understanding someone or something. Labels are like material possessions: they are necessary, but we don’t need to give them as much meaning as we often do.