Editing Labeling theory (section)

{{Short description|Sociological theory}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2023}}

[[File:Labeling Theory Diagram.png|thumb|A brief representation of the idea behind labeling theory]]
'''Labeling theory''' posits that [[self-identity]] and the behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them.  It is associated with the concepts of [[self-fulfilling prophecy]] and [[stereotype|stereotyping]]. Labeling theory holds that [[Deviance (sociology)|deviance]] is not inherent in an act, but instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or those seen as deviant from standard [[cultural norm]]s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bernburg |first1=Jón Gunnar |chapter=Labeling Theory |title=Handbook on Crime and Deviance |series=Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research |date=2009 |pages=187–207 |doi=10.1007/978-1-4419-0245-0_10 |isbn=978-1-4419-0244-3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Davis |first1=Nanette J. |title=Labeling Theory in Deviance Research: A Critique and Reconsideration |journal=The Sociological Quarterly |date=1972 |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=447–474 |doi=10.1111/j.1533-8525.1972.tb00828.x |jstor=4105518 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4105518 |access-date=8 October 2024 |issn=0038-0253|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The theory was prominent during the 1960s and 1970s, and some modified versions of the theory have developed and are still currently popular. Stigma is defined as a powerfully negative label that changes a person's self-concept and [[social identity]].<ref name="Macionis">Macionis, John, and Linda Gerber. 2010. ''Sociology'' (7th ed.). London: [[Pearson Education Canada, Ltd.|Pearson Education Canada]].<br /></ref>

Labeling theory is closely related to [[social constructionism|social-construction]] and [[symbolic interactionism|symbolic-interaction]] analysis.<ref name="Macionis"/> Labeling theory was developed by [[sociologist]]s during the 1960s. [[Howard S. Becker|Howard Saul Becker's]] book ''Outsiders'' was extremely influential in the development of this theory and its rise to popularity.

Labeling theory is also connected to other fields besides crime. For instance there is the labeling theory that corresponds to [[homosexuality]]. Alfred Kinsey and his colleagues were the main advocates in separating the difference between the role of a "homosexual" and the acts one does. An example is the idea that males performing feminine acts would imply that they are homosexual. [[Thomas J. Scheff]] states that labeling also plays a part with the "mentally ill". The label does not refer to criminal but rather acts that are not socially accepted due to mental disorders.