American social theory
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory

concepts
type: Collection
type: ConceptGroup
member: labeling theory

labeling theory
type: Concept
broader: theories of leadership
broader: substance abuse
broader: sociology of law
broader: schools and theoretical approaches
broader: psychological theories of crime
broader: American social theory
definition: Labeling theory is a critical theory which argues that the application of a deviant label can have the effect of solidifying a deviant identity for the labeled, thus potentially exacerbating the problem that it purports to address. Labeling theory, therefore, prioritizes the study of social and legal processes by which certain behaviors and individuals come to be labeled as deviant, as well as the impact of such labels. [Source: Encyclopedia of Social Problems; Labeling Theory]

psychological theories of crime
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory

schools and theoretical approaches
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory

sociology of law
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory

substance abuse
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory

theories of leadership
type: Concept
narrower: labeling theory