Sociology / Unit 5 Soc 0665 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Labeling Theory
Captions available
The idea
Labeling theory holds that deviance is produced by the reaction to an act rather than by the act itself: an act becomes deviant when a society labels it so.
In practice
Two people commit the same act; one is labeled, and only that one acquires the status.
Where people slip
The theory concerns how the status is conferred, and does not deny the act happened.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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