Emily Good Due Date July 24, 2022 CJ 340 Module 4 Journal Southern New Hampshire
Criminology Theory
The theory that was best suited for the court system is the labeling theory. The labeling
theory is, in criminology, a theory stemming from a sociological perspective known as "symbolic
interactionism," a school of thought based on the ideas of George Herbert Mead, John Dewey
W.I. Thomas, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer, among others (Skaggs, S.L., 2020).
The labeling theory looks into how other's interpretations of us can effect the ways in we think
of ourselves. In criminology the labeling theory is used when an individual labels another as a
criminal or in other cases a does not label criminals. This is determined by opinions from others
by influence in their sense of self. There is not necessarily a behavior that can be "criminal" but
is rather based upon the views within law itself. The only ones that can truly label these
individuals are the those within power of the law. Labeling theory predicts that criminal justice
interventions amplify offending behavior (Bessemer, 2017). If you are to believe this opinion
then it can be perceived that sentencing will only increase the behavior of the "criminal" offender
not reduce it as it is sought out to do. The labeling theory can influence the approach of
sentencing by following sentencing guidelines for the criminal act that was committed.
Dependant of the crime there is differences within the sentencing. A minor offense could have a
minor sentencing attached. Crimes are typically classified by severity, violence, and previous
criminal history of the offender. The punishment of deterrence is a sentencing in which the hopes
of discouraging criminal behavior is the outcome. If the labeling theory is an action in which
why the criminal act is classified by the lawmakers then the deterrence of the behavior would be
hopeful in stopping the individual from further committing these crimes.
When minimizing legal structures it can be determined to be supportive in the act of
reducing crime and that community programs, rehabilitation and probation can assist in the
measures that would decrease criminal acts. IF serious offenders are to use these types of
programs following their criminal act then there is hope of their actions being learned from and
furthering a better future.
Resources
Besemer, S. (2017, March 8). Labeling and intergenerational transmission of crime: The interaction between criminal justice intervention and a convicted parent. PLOS ONE https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172419
Skaggs, S. Lynn (2020, October 27). labeling theory. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/labeling-theor