Labeling Theories and the Meaning of Crime

Meaning of crime to the self

Symbolic interactionism – our self-image is shaped by social interaction Labeling theory – we think of ourselves as others define us

– As children grow older and engage in increasingly adventurous activities, their labels can change from “just being a kid,” to “a good kid acting badly”, to “a bad kid”

Lemert- general theory of deviance– Criminal behavior starts due to other factors (biological, sociological,

social learning, etc.)– If bad behavior persists outsiders may label someone as “delinquent”

and attach the social meanings of the label– Those who continue behaving poorly adopt the self-image of a

delinquent, as such are defined by society– This “redefinition of self” persists independently of the original causes of

the behavior

Meaning of crime to oneself –Labeling process

BUT many who commit crime don’t consider themselves “criminals”– Maintaining a non-criminal self-image is important– Justifications and neutralizers used to excuse conduct

“Just borrowing the money” “They can afford it” “They had it coming”

To make labels stick society applies threats and sanctions– Criminal law is the ultimate threat to one’s identity– Criminal processing is a “degradation ceremony”– Sticky labels – such as convictions and imprisonment – can make

it difficult for those so labeled to reform Redefinition of self (justifications no longer work) Violator ostracized from conventional society Cannot obtain legitimate employment Must turn to deviance to satisfy social and material needs

Arguments against labeling...

Labeling theorists overemphasize its power– Labeling does not automatically lead to deviancy

Some deviants may actually seek out the label Typical law-abiding persons are law-abiding because they want to

avoid being labeled– Reducing the stigma may INCREASE criminal behavior

Juveniles may be more affected by what others think of them, especially their parents, than what society or the authorities think

– If thought of as “rule violators” may choose to live up to these expectations

A different approach:What crime “means” to criminals

Katz – “Seductions of Crime”– Crime cannot be explained by “background variables” (race, class,

gender, demography, etc.)– Crime best explained by examining “foreground” variables:

What does it feel like to commit a crime? What are criminals trying to accomplish?

– Crime motivated by the need to transcend “moral challenges” Passion killers: escape humiliating situation Delinquents: demonstrate personal competence Gang members: response to “humbling” by conventional society

– Crime reinforced by the “thrill” of its commission “Lived meanings” of organized and white collar crime

– Satisfaction of “getting it over” on “marks”– Joys of thumbing one’s nose at conventional society

Zimbardo:Why good people turn evil

Evil defined in non-legalistic terms as intentionally harming or degrading others

– No “following orders” excuse Moral imperatives to “defend the homeland” give acts legitimacy Stereotyping and dehumanizing others removes them from the actor’s

“moral sphere” Heavy situational pressures on people’s behavior blurs line between

criminals and non-criminals Effect of individual traits is questioned

– But why do some act badly, while others resist?

Meaning of crime to society

Societies “create” crime by passing laws Campaigns against crime are in everyone’s name, but can

benefit only select groups– Economically

Law against vagrancy used to create pool of cheap labor Defining drug users as criminals creates a demand for

law enforcement, prosecutors, etc.– Symbolically

Temperance movement reasserted Protestant values Groups must gain power to define who’s deviant

Controlology

Criminal justice only one of many mechanisms used by State to control “problem” populations

– Education, mental health, mass media (?) Purpose of these mechanisms is more than just control -- it’s “to

manifest state power” Over time rationale has shifted from crude to sophisticated excuses

– Public executions rehabilitation Iron fist remains hidden in the “velvet glove” Much in common with Marxist and critical criminology