FREE ESSAY ON LABELING THEORY

LABELING THEORY

Labeling Theory
Labeling theory is associated with Howard Becket and was introduced in 1963. Labeling
theory is the theory of deviance that views deviance as a label assigned to behavior and
individuals by particular figures of authority. That means that no one is actually a
deviant and no action is deviant unless specified by society. The acts that are
considered deviant today, may be acceptable or even normal tomorrow or in another part of
the world.
This theory doesn't plausibly explain Nevet and Begonia's behavior.
Strain Theory
French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1858 - 1917) used the term anomie to describe a state
of normlessness in society, when many people are unclear as to the expectations others
have of them (Durkheim, 1951). The importance of Durkheim's study for an understanding of
deviance is his focus on the way a society can actually create strains in the lives of
its individual members. Anomie theory in essence states that deviant behavior is
encouraged by strains builkt into the very fabric or society.
Durkheim's concept was borrowed from American sociologist Robert Merton in his study of
deviance. Merton (1956) analyzed societal strains by pointing out the variety of ways
that people might respond to such strain. As the strains occur in all walks of life so
too do the (often-deviant) adaptations. 
The rebellion response to strain explains Nevet and Begonia's action by offering that
they were encouraged to act deviantly because there was so much strain of them to be
perfect