After his placement on juvenile probation for burglary, Mike's parents now call him a delinquent. His teachers whisper about it, and he hears them say he is going nowhere fast. Even other kids at school tell Mike he is a criminal. Mike is starting to think that's all he'll ever amount to. Mike's feelings are best explained by which theory?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that people become deviant because they are labeled as deviant by others. In Mike's case, his family, teachers, and peers are all labeling him as a delinquent, causing him to internalize that identity and feel like that's all he'll ever be.

After His Placement on Juvenile Probation for Burglary, Mike's Parents