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conpare and contrast labeling and social control theories

Running Head : Labeling and Social Control Theories

Labeling and Social Control Theories

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Abstract

The labeling theory and the social control theory are two explanations behind the concept of deviance . The labeling theory argues that society itself creates deviance by classifying certain behaviors or people as deviant . The social control theory , meanwhile , believes that deviance is a result of the failure of social institutions to enforce societal norms Labeling and Social Control Theories

Every culture has norms or standards that distinguish

acceptable from unacceptable behavior . Actions or behaviors that go against cultural norms are referred to as deviance . To understand why some individuals resort to deviance , sociologists and criminologists first analyze how norms are created , modified and enforced . The labeling theory and the social control theory are just two of the explanations these experts have come up with regarding the nature of deviance

Labeling Theory

The labeling theory argues that people assume deviant roles in society No conduct or individual is inherently deviant - society itself creates deviance by classifying certain behaviors or people as deviant . Those who observe deviant manners acquire deviant identities by internalizing deviant labels that society imposes on them . Instead of finding the root cause of deviance , society will attribute it to particular behaviors or people (Kontos and Brotherton , 2008

Proponents of the labeling theory claim that the social group is the one responsible for deviance . It creates norms in to differentiate conventional people from deviants . Norms , however , are detrimental in...

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