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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper begins by explaining labeling theory, including criticism of the theory. The essay provides examples of prevention programs that would support this perspective. The writer also comments on parenting styles found most effective for preventing delinquency. The essay concludes with comments related to treatment of status offenders. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGlbldl.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
and informal labeling (Adams, 2003). Formal labeling comes from the adolescents contact with social control agencies, such as the juvenile court system; informal labeling comes from interactions with peers, parents
and teachers (Adams, 2003). This theory also proposes that contact with social control agencies stigmatizes the adolescent (Adams, 2003). Being negatively labeled or being stigmatized may lead to delinquent behaviors
(Adams, 2003). There is some empirical evidence to support the premise. Research has shown a higher rate of delinquent behaviors among youth who have had contact with social control agencies
such as the juvenile justice system or some other agency (Adams, 2003). Labeling theory is not accepted by everyone as a predictor of delinquency (Adams, 2003). One of the
major criticisms of this theory is that it is not precise enough, the concepts are not clear enough (Adams, 2003). Further, critics argue the theory itself cannot be validated empirically
(Adams, 2003). The theory is based on Meads social interaction theories, symbolic interaction (Adams, 2003). The assumption is that juveniles are faced with an overwhelming amount of cues each day
about how others perceive them and they are capable of interpreting the symbols that project labels on them accurately (Adams, 2003). Labeling theorists further assert that juveniles
try to negotiate the labels and in fact, they "attempt to disavow their deviant imputations" (Adams, 2003). These theorists do note the labels may be positive or negative (Adams, 2003).
It is the negative labels juveniles perceive, whether because they have had contact with an agency such as the juvenile justice system or through their contacts and interactions with parents,
peers and teachers that lead to delinquent behaviors. There are a number of juvenile delinquency programs that have had some degree of success in keeping youth from engaging in
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