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This 4 page paper examines several theories: Labeling Theory, Social Strain Theories and Differential Association. How each of these theories explain crime is the focus of this paper that provides several examples. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA518the.rtf
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from social strain theories to those that address individual psychological problems of citizens. One important theory is labeling theory. This theory turns its attention to the reaction of others and
the effects of the reactions as what creates deviance ("Overview," 2005). Even if there had been dissension prior to criminality, it is the act of labeling the negative behavior
that prompts full-blown criminality. In the context of labeling theory, what happens is that people become entrenched in deviant activities and these individuals are segregated from society and labeled as
a junkie or abuser or whore for example ("Overview," 2005). Many other examples may be used. In the context of school systems, children are labeled by being put on tracks.
They are in advanced classes and the implied label is "smart." Conversely, children in slower classes are labeled "stupid." The end result is remarkably on target which is that
the children live up to these labels. This theory is like the self-fulfilling prophesy concept in psychology. Becker claims that the process of segregation does create an "outsider" mentality
("Overview," 2005). These individuals are considered outcasts (2005). As more and more individuals begin to see the individuals as deviants, then they respond to them in that way and then
the deviant reacts to the stimulus by engaging in untoward behavior (2005). This theory helps to explain crime. When children and teens are testing limits, if society reacts too strongly,
it sets up a situation where the bad behavior will be exacerbated. In some way, the punitive measures reinforce the behavior. It is because they are treated negatively that they
respond criminally. They may reason that they are "bad" anyway so they might as well take other actions that they find positive in other ways. For instance, they feel they
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