Deck 3: Labeling Theory

Question 1

When Becker suggests that society creates deviance he means that

A) society creates differential opportunities for members of different social classes.
B) society creates barriers to normative conformity through dysfunctional families and disorganized neighborhoods.
C) society creates the rules which define deviance and applies the label of deviant to those who are ultimately labeled deviant.
D) society creates deviant groups such as street gangs which foster deviant attitudes and lifestyles.

Answer 1

society creates the rules which define deviance and applies the label of deviant to those who are ultimately labeled deviant.

Question 2

Labeling theory holds that deviance is not a quality of the act because it

A) is the result of personality factors associated with committing deviance.
B) is the result of the application by others of rules and sanctions to one labeled deviant.
C) is a consequence of the violation of the criminal code and being caught.
D) reflects a condition of anomie for those trapped in social structure.

Answer 2

is the result of the application by others of rules and sanctions to one labeled deviant.

Question 3

Labeling theory suggests that the primary thing deviants have in common is

A) common background factors such as low IQs, personality issues, family problems, and/or low social class.
B) a common history of previous deviant behavior in their background.
C) commission of a deviant act and subsequent arrest.
D) they share a deviant label and the experience of being labeled as an outsider.

Answer 3

they share a deviant label and the experience of being labeled as an outsider.

Question 4

Labeling theory points out that there is much variability to how others may respond to a given act as deviant, including all of the following EXCEPT

A) variation over time.
B) who commits the act and who feels they have been harmed by it.
C) when there is enough evidence to warrant an investigation.
D) only if the act results in certain consequences deemed serious.

Question 5

Becker, citing Hughes' distinction between master and subordinate statuses, to explain

A) the tendency to define a person's identity primarily in terms of their deviant status.
B) whenever a person is labeled deviant they become subordinate to others.
C) how physicians and other people of high status are masters of their own fate.
D) the fact that members of minority groups are more likely to be labeled deviant.

Question 6

According to Becker, being labeled as deviant has important consequences

A) for society which must ensure there are adequate rehabilitation programs.
B) for families who must learn to do without their loved one now in prison.
C) for police investigators who must be sure their case holds up in a court proceeding.
D) for individuals who face important consequences regarding their subsequent social participation, self-image and public identity.

Question 7

Discuss the consequences of labeling theory's emphasis on the labeling process, rather than the violation of a norm, as the starting point for the study of deviance. Give an example of how you would apply labeling theory in examining a concrete case of deviance. What do you see as the strengths and weakness of labeling theory?

Question 8

Becker suggests that branding someone as a deviant carries strong consequences for the person labeled deviant in terms of a new master status. Explain how this is the case. Why is this a problem or issue, according to labeling theory?

Question 9

Explain why Becker distinguishes rule-breaking behavior and the use of the label deviant. Provide and explain an example of rule-breaking behavior that does not result in the label of deviance, and conversely explain how the label of deviant may be applied without there having been rule-breaking behavior.