Question 1

Although labeling theory has several implications for criminal and juvenile justice policy, they have been largely ignored by practitioners and policymakers.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

Labeling theory hypothesizes that it is primarily the behavior of the deviants that determines whether or not stigmatizing labels are applied to them.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that it is the reactions of others and societal responses, rather than the behavior itself, that lead to the application of stigmatizing labels.

Question 3

Cooley's "looking-glass self" concept posits that even young children have an inner awareness of distinct personal desires, preferences, and abilities that is resistant to social pressure.

Accepted Answer

Cooley's "looking-glass self" concept suggests that an individual's self-concept is shaped by how they believe others perceive them, emphasizing the social aspect of self-awareness rather than an inherent resistance to social pressure.

Question 4

Why people commit initial acts of deviance is beyond the scope of labeling theory.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory focuses on the societal reaction to deviance and the subsequent effects on the individual, rather than the initial reasons for deviant behavior.

Question 5

Labeling theory focuses only on the negative effects of formal labels of deviance, ignoring the effects of informal labeling.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory considers both formal and informal labeling, examining how both can influence an individual's self-identity and behavior.

Question 6

Labeling theorists make predictions about the effects of the application of social sanctions that are opposite to those made by deterrence theorists.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theorists argue that social sanctions can lead to increased deviance by stigmatizing individuals, while deterrence theorists believe that sanctions prevent deviance by discouraging individuals from engaging in undesirable behavior.

Question 7

Labeling theorists contend that people can be taught to refrain from illegal behavior by increasing awareness and fear of the social stigma that accompanies a criminal conviction.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theorists argue that labeling individuals as criminals can lead to further deviance, as the stigma reinforces a criminal identity rather than deterring illegal behavior.

Question 8

According to labeling theory, being labeled deviant depends more on who you are than on what you do.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that societal reaction and labels are more influenced by the identity or characteristics of the person rather than the specific behavior, meaning that social status and power can affect who gets labeled as deviant.

Question 9

Labeling theorists contend that stigmatizing labels are applied differentially to members of less powerful social groups.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theorists argue that societal reactions, including stigmatizing labels, are often applied more harshly to marginalized or less powerful groups, reinforcing social inequalities.

Question 10

Recent studies suggest that informal labeling (e.g., by parents, teachers, and others) may have the unintended consequence of contributing to delinquency.

Accepted Answer

Informal labeling can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies where individuals internalize negative labels, potentially increasing the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior.

Question 11

John Braithwaite tested his theory of reintegrative shaming by examining rates of staff compliance with nursing home regulations.

Accepted Answer

John Braithwaite's theory of reintegrative shaming focuses on the use of public shaming to encourage compliance with social norms. In his study of nursing homes, Braithwaite examined how the public release of information about nursing home violations affected staff compliance with regulations.

Question 12

The policy implications of labeling theory lend support to programs that keep delinquents in the juvenile justice system as long as possible without increasing the costs.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that labeling individuals as delinquents can lead to further deviant behavior, so policy implications often support diversion programs that avoid labeling and reduce time in the justice system.

Question 13

The evidence from research on labeling theory shows that the stigmatizing labels that result from being caught and punished by the official juvenile or criminal justice system have more of an impact on continuation of a deviant career than do all the social and psychological factors that caused the behavior in the first place.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The evidence from research on labeling theory...

Question 14

In Braithwaite's theory, reintegrative shaming that reconciles the offender with the community is more likely in communitarian societies.

Accepted Answer

Braithwaite's theory suggests that communitarian societies, which emphasize community bonds and collective responsibility, are more conducive to reintegrative shaming, as they support the reintegration of offenders back into the community.

Question 15

Labeling theory hypothesizes that the application of stigmatizing labels enhances or amplifies deviance, even though it does not have much of an effect on the person's self-identity.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory suggests that stigmatizing labels can significantly affect a person's self-identity, potentially leading to increased deviance as individuals internalize these labels.

Question 16

Net-Widening occurs when diversion has the unintended result of placing more, rather than fewer, youth under involuntary control in the community than would have been the case without a diversion policy in place.

Accepted Answer

Net-Widening refers to the phenomenon where diversion programs intended to reduce the number of individuals under formal control inadvertently increase the number of individuals under some form of control, as more people are brought into the system who might not have been otherwise.

Question 17

What evidence has thus far been produced by research on "faith-based" programs in prisons shows that they are primarily run by religious fanatics and have no effect on postrelease recidivism.

Accepted Answer

Research on faith-based programs in prisons has shown mixed results, with some studies indicating positive effects on postrelease recidivism, while others show little to no impact. The claim that they are primarily run by religious fanatics is not supported by evidence.

Question 18

Although there has not yet been much research done, there is some evidence that faith-based treatment and rehabilitation programs in prisons have positive effects on offenders' reintegration into the community and reduction of their risk of recidivism.

Accepted Answer

Some studies and reports suggest that faith-based programs can positively impact inmates by providing moral guidance, community support, and a sense of purpose, which may aid in their reintegration and reduce recidivism.

Question 19

In Braithwaite's latest statements about reintegrative shaming theory, he argues that it attempts to use both explanatory theory and "normative theory."

Accepted Answer

Braithwaite's reintegrative shaming theory incorporates both explanatory aspects, which describe how shaming can lead to crime reduction, and normative aspects, which suggest how society should use shaming to achieve positive outcomes.

Question 20

Restorative justice programs offer entirely new ways of responding to crime that have never been implemented in the past or in other societies.

Accepted Answer

Restorative justice programs are based on principles that have been used in various forms throughout history and in different societies, focusing on repairing harm and involving all stakeholders.

Quiz 7: Labeling and Reintegrative Shaming Theory