Which of the following statements best illustrates Howard S. Becker's labeling theory of deviance?
A) Adolescents in romantic relationships are less likely to commit crime than other adolescents.
B) The definition of crime is class biased; for example, the crimes listed in the Uniform Crime Reports are disproportionately committed by members of the lower class in the United States.
C) Frustration arising from lack of access to legitimate means to success in achieving culturally prescribed goals lies at the root of crime and deviance.
D) Ex-offenders are much less likely to be called back by employers than men with similar resumes but no criminal record.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Howard S. Becker's labeling theory of deviance suggests that individuals are labeled as deviant by society, and that this label becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to further deviant behavior. Option D, which states that ex-offenders are less likely to be hired than those without a criminal record, illustrates the process of labeling leading to further exclusion and potentially further deviant behavior. Options A and C are not related to labeling theory, and option B discusses class bias in defining crime, but does not directly relate to labeling theory.

Which of the Following Statements Best Illustrates Howard S