movie essay for criminology class

Howard Becker’s Labeling Theory

Becker’s book Outsiders is one of the most influential works on labeling theory. His analysis on how

people become deviants is summarized in the five steps below (Glick and Miller 2008:187-188).

1. The stigma of the deviant label designates people outsiders. Once this happens they tend to be

excluded from participation in conventional relationships and groups.

2. Their relationship with family and friends is likely to become strained and perhaps even severed,

and they may be forced into illegal work and activity.

3. All of this leads to a greater chance that they will be forced to associate with other outsiders.

4. The deviant label increases the chances that people will become suspicious and will keep a close

eye on an outsider’s behavior and eventually others are likely to find something that will

confirm their suspicions.

5. The ongoing process of labeling, stigmatizing, and ostracizing these individuals is bound to

deeply influence their self-image to the point where they truly come to identify and accept the

view that others have of them. This deviant self-image ensures the likelihood that they will

continue their deviant activities, perhaps even as members of an organized deviant group.

Reference: Glick, L. &Miller, M.J. (2008). Criminology. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon