Social psychology and explanations of crime and
anti-social behaviour
Social explanations of crime cover the ‘nurture’ element of the ‘nature-nurture’ debate,
suggesting that as individuals we are influenced by factors around us, making who we are. In the
context of criminal behaviour, the nurture argument would suggest we are influenced by what we
observe in the world around us, including the people and other influences to whom we are
exposed, and it is these influences that steer us either towards or away from criminal behaviour.
There are 3 social experiments you will look at: 1. Labelling, 2. Self-fulfilling prophecy, and 3.
Social learning theory.
Labelling as an explanation of crime and anti-social behaviour.
What is meant by Labelling theory?
Labelling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behaviour of individuals may be
influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them.
Labelling occurs when general and broad terms are
used to describe members of a group. This often
happens when a group of people, who are united by a
shared interest or characteristic see another group as
inferior. This creates a majority (superior) group and a
minority (inferior) group. As “inferior” groups
suggest, the description often has negative
connotations (however, it may also have positive
connotations). Labels are often based on stereotypes
about particular groups in society such as young
people or ethnic groups. Some labels are so negative
and powerful that they become stigmas. A stigma is when society has extreme disapproval of a
person or group. The disapproval may start to affect someone’s self-concept.
Once a label has been ascribed to an individual or group of people, they may be treated
according to that label. Labelling and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (SPF) go together as an
explanation of crime/ASB - the process is first someone is labelled and then the SFP can take
place.
anti-social behaviour
Social explanations of crime cover the ‘nurture’ element of the ‘nature-nurture’ debate,
suggesting that as individuals we are influenced by factors around us, making who we are. In the
context of criminal behaviour, the nurture argument would suggest we are influenced by what we
observe in the world around us, including the people and other influences to whom we are
exposed, and it is these influences that steer us either towards or away from criminal behaviour.
There are 3 social experiments you will look at: 1. Labelling, 2. Self-fulfilling prophecy, and 3.
Social learning theory.
Labelling as an explanation of crime and anti-social behaviour.
What is meant by Labelling theory?
Labelling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behaviour of individuals may be
influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them.
Labelling occurs when general and broad terms are
used to describe members of a group. This often
happens when a group of people, who are united by a
shared interest or characteristic see another group as
inferior. This creates a majority (superior) group and a
minority (inferior) group. As “inferior” groups
suggest, the description often has negative
connotations (however, it may also have positive
connotations). Labels are often based on stereotypes
about particular groups in society such as young
people or ethnic groups. Some labels are so negative
and powerful that they become stigmas. A stigma is when society has extreme disapproval of a
person or group. The disapproval may start to affect someone’s self-concept.
Once a label has been ascribed to an individual or group of people, they may be treated
according to that label. Labelling and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (SPF) go together as an
explanation of crime/ASB - the process is first someone is labelled and then the SFP can take
place.
