Question 1

Labeling theory is an offshoot of:

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory is a theory that falls under the symbolic interactionism perspective in sociology. It posits that individuals and groups are labeled or categorized by society based on their behaviors, characteristics, or attributes, which in turn influences their self-concept and subsequent behaviors. The theory emphasizes the subjective meaning-making process and social constructions of deviance, and how these labels and stigmas can create or reinforce social inequalities and power differentials. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is D, Symbolic interactionism. The other options are not directly related to labeling theory and focus on different aspects of crime and deviance, such as cultural norms, differential access to resources, and social disorganization.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a policy implication of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory is a sociological theory that states when an individual is labeled as deviant, they may begin to act in accordance with that label. The policy implications of labeling theory include diversion, due process, and deinstitutionalization. However, deportation is not a policy implication of labeling theory, as it deals with the removal of individuals from a country or region, rather than the labeling and treatment of deviant behavior.

Question 3

To refer to deviants, Howard Becker used the term, ________ also the title of his book

Accepted Answer

Outsiders

Question 4

Labeling researchers focus on "extra legal" variables to explain differences in arrest and prosecution rates as well as sentencing disparity.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theorists argue that factors beyond the law (such as race, gender, social class, and prior criminal records) play a significant role in explaining variations in the criminal justice system. These variables are referred to as "extra legal" because they are not directly related to the legal aspects of the offense.

Question 5

The text argues that diversion did not reduce the use of labeling and in fact, it increased the number of children brought into the system, an effect we refer to as _______________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The text argues that diversion did not...

Question 6

For Frank Tannenbaum, the process of labeling or tagging someone contained the steps of:

Accepted Answer

Tannenbaum believed that the labeling process involved defining (identifying characteristics of the individual), identifying (placing the individual into a category), and segregating (separating the individual from the rest of society). Therefore, choice C best captures these steps. The other choices do not accurately reflect Tannenbaum's process of labeling.

Question 7

For criminals, an offense can permanently alter one's identity, and the idea that they now become known solely for that one past act is called:

Accepted Answer

Master status refers to the idea that a person's entire identity can be defined by one characteristic or label, and in the case of a criminal offender, their offense can become their master status, defining how they are perceived by society and limiting their opportunities for social mobility.

Question 8

In order to avoid the negative effects that labeling and institutionalization had on youth, Director Jerome Miller, closed all the juvenile institutions in his state which was: ______________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In order to avoid the negative effects...

Question 9

According to Schur, the three audiences of societal reaction include each of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Schur identifies three audiences of societal reaction as social-control-agency, significant-other, and society-at-large. Enemy-subculture is not included as one of the audiences.

Question 10

Labeling theory can be best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory is best classified as classical, process, and conflict oriented because it focuses on the social processes and conflicts involved in labeling individuals as deviant.

Question 11

Labeling theory, as opposed to most other criminological theories, asks:

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory focuses on how and why individuals are labeled as deviant by society, rather than on the causes of deviant behavior itself. It emphasizes the negative effects that being labeled as deviant can have on a person's self-image and future opportunities.

Question 12

Labeling theory originated in the early 1980s.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory originated in the 1960s and 1970s, not the 1980s.

Question 13

To reconstruct the identity of someone as deviant based on new views of their prior behavior is called:

Accepted Answer

Retrospective interpretation involves reconstructing someone's identity as deviant based on new perspectives or information about their prior behavior. This can involve reevaluating past actions in a negative light and labeling the person as deviant, even if they weren't considered deviant at the time.

Question 14

According to the Schwartz and Skolnick study:

Accepted Answer

The Schwartz and Skolnick study found that any contact with the criminal justice system, even without a conviction, can negatively impact future employment opportunities.

Question 15

According to labeling theory, those who engage in criminal behavior are not synonymous with those who are labeled criminal.

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory posits that criminal behavior is not inherently linked with an individual's identity, but rather criminality is constructed through the labeling process. In other words, those who are labeled as criminal may not necessarily be those who engage in criminal behavior, as the labeling process can be influenced by factors such as race, social class, and power dynamics.

Question 16

Instead of the term "label", Frank Tannenbaum referred to a ________ in his 1938 book Crime and the Community.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Instead of the term "label", Frank Tannenbaum...

Question 17

Edwin Schur argued that _________ crimes should not be part of the criminal justice system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Edwin Schur argued that _________ crimes should...

Question 18

The concept of master status implies that certain people have a right to dominate others.

Accepted Answer

The concept of master status does not imply that certain people have a right to dominate others. Master status refers to a social position that is seen as the most significant aspect of a person's identity, often shaping how they are perceived and treated by others. It does not necessarily confer any inherent superiority or dominance over others.

Question 19

According to Becker, the four types of deviant behavior are:

Accepted Answer

Becker identifies four types of deviant behavior: falsely accused (individuals perceived as deviant but not engaging in deviance), pure deviant (individuals who engage in deviant behavior and are recognized as such), conforming (individuals who conform to social norms and are perceived as doing so), and secret deviant (individuals who engage in deviant behavior but are not perceived as such).

Question 20

According to Goffman, a courtesy stigma was when a youth was labeled deviant just because he was polite and well-mannered

Accepted Answer

A courtesy stigma refers to when individuals are stigmatized indirectly because of their association with a stigmatized person or group, rather than for their own behavior or characteristics. It is not related to being labeled deviant for being polite and well-mannered.

Quiz 8: Labeling Theory