Editing Labeling theory (section)

== The "criminal" ==
{{Criminology and penology |theory}}

As an application of [[Phenomenology (philosophy)|phenomenology]], the theory hypothesizes that the labels applied to individuals influence their behavior, particularly the application of negative or stigmatizing labels (such as "[[criminal]]" or "[[Felony|felon]]") promote [[Deviance (sociology)|deviant behavior]], becoming a [[self-fulfilling prophecy]], i.e. an individual who is labeled has little choice but to conform to the essential meaning of that judgment. Consequently, labeling theory postulates that it is possible to prevent social deviance via a limited social shaming reaction in "labelers" and replacing [[Morality|moral]] indignation with [[Toleration|tolerance]]. Emphasis is placed on the [[Rehabilitation (penology)|rehabilitation]] of offenders through an alteration of their labels. Related prevention policies include client [[empowerment]] schemes, [[mediation]] and [[conciliation]], victim-offender [[forgiveness]] ceremonies (restorative justice), [[restitution]], [[Reparation (legal)|reparation]], and alternatives to prison programs involving [[Hobby|diversion]]. Labeling theory has been accused of promoting impractical policy implications, and criticized for failing to explain society's most serious offenses.<ref name="Vito1">Vito, Gennaro F., Jeffery R. Maahs, and Ronald M. Holmes. 2006. ''Criminology: Theory, Research And Policy'' (2nd ed.). Sudbury: [[Jones & Bartlett Learning|Jones & Bartlett]].</ref>