The Power of Labels: How Society Shapes Criminal Identity
Discussion Prompt:
Social Reaction Theories shift the focus from offenders to the people and institutions that label and control them. Labeling theory suggests that being repeatedly labeled as a criminal can influence a person’s self-identity and future behavior.
Discussion Questions:
- How do labels shape a person’s behavior and identity?
- Can labeling someone as a criminal increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior? Why or why not?
- What are some real-world examples of how labels impact individuals in society?