5.4d Labeling Theory

Labeling theory suggests that deviance is socially constructed and emerged from a symbolic interactionist approach to studying deviance. In other words, an action or attitude is considered deviant because a social group has deemed it so. Moreover, an individual may be labeled as deviant as explained by the Thomas Theorem. The Thomas Theorem proposes that if people “define situations as real, they are real in their consequences” (Thomas and Thomas, 1928, p. 572). In practice, someone can be labeled deviant without engaging in deviant behavior because of others’ interpretation of the situation.

Imagine someone posting a photo on social media of a teenager in a setting where alcohol was present, but the teenager was not consuming alcohol. However, because the photo creates the impression that the student engaged in illegal behavior, school authorities punish the student, labeling the behavior and the student deviant. Labeling theory predicts that the next time the teen is at a party with alcohol, they are more likely to engage in underage drinking because school officials have already labeled them as deviant.

Labeling theory also explains why deviance appears to be more concentrated among specific groups or subcultures. The reason is that powerful people disproportionately label the attitudes and actions of those with less power as deviant. Had the teenager in this situation been a valued member of a football or basketball team, school authorities may have viewed the photo differently and overlooked the alleged violation altogether.

Photo 5.6

Teenager at a Party Where Alcohol is Present