A central argument of labeling theory as spelled out by Howard Becker, the most well-known of its proponents:
A) Persons who have broken a rule constitute a homogeneous category.
B) The process of labeling is infallible; everyone who is labeled as deviant has in fact broken a rule.
C) The degree to which people respond to a given act is dependent only on one factor-whether that act is a violation of a rule.
D) Being caught and branded as a deviant has no important consequences for further social participation and self-image; what counts is, did the person engage in the act?
E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Labeling theory, particularly as articulated by Howard Becker, emphasizes the social construction of deviance, suggesting that the reactions and labels society assigns to certain behaviors are crucial in determining the deviant identity, rather than the act itself being inherently deviant. Choices A, B, C, and D misrepresent this perspective by suggesting a deterministic or simplistic view of rule-breaking and its consequences.

A Central Argument of Labeling Theory as Spelled Out by Howard