Arturo was proud that he was called a "bad boy" by the other students because he talked back to teachers and roughed up other kids. He eventually dropped out of school and joined a gang, where his activities became more serious. Arturo's behavior can best be explained using ______ theory.

Question

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Labelling theory suggests that individuals who are labelled as deviant or criminal may come to internalize this label and behave accordingly, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. In Arturo's case, being labelled a "bad boy" may have reinforced his negative behavior and led him down a path of delinquency.

Arturo Was Proud That He Was Called a "Bad Boy