NAME: CHERIZE PIENAAR STUDENT NUMBER: 49943103
COURSE CODE: CMY3701 ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 02
UNIQUE NUMBER: 577533
1. INTRODUCTION
• Labelling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behaviour of
individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or
classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and
stereotyping. Labelling theory holds that deviance is not inherent to an act, but
instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or
those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. The theory was prominent
during the 1960s and 1970s, and some modified versions of the theory have
developed and are still currently popular. A stigma is defined as a powerfully
negative label that changes a person's self-concept and social identity.
• Labelling theory is closely related to social-construction and symbolic-
m
interaction analysis. Labelling theory was developed by sociologists during
er as
the 1960s. Howard Saul Becker's book Outsiders was extremely influential in
co
the development of this theory and its rise to popularity. (Resource: Macionis,
eH w
J.; Gerber, L. (2010). Sociology (7th ed.).(Resource: Labelling theory:
o.
Social constructionism, Social stigma, Deinstitutionalisation, George
rs e
Herbert Mead, Howard S. Becker, Labelling)
ou urc
2. DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPTS
2.1 Labelling Perspective
o
aC s
• Labelling theory is based on the idea that behaviours are deviant only when
v i y re
society labels them as deviant. As such, conforming members of society, who
interpret certain behaviours as deviant and then attach this label to individuals,
determine the distinction between deviance and non-deviance. Labelling
ed d
theory questions who applies what label to whom, why they do this, and what
happens as a result of this labelling. (Resource: Macionis, J.; Gerber, L.
ar stu
(2010). Sociology (7th ed.)
2.2 Interactionist approach
sh is
• The interactionist perspective is one of the major theoretical perspectives
Th
within sociology. It focuses on the concrete details of what goes on among
individuals in everyday life. Interactionists study how we use and interpret
symbols not only to communicate with each other, but also to create and
maintain impressions of ourselves, to create a sense of self, and to create and
sustain what we experience as the reality of a particular social situation. From
this perspective, social life consists largely of a complex fabric woven of
countless interactions through which life takes on shape and meaning.
(Resource: Michael, J., Christiansen, W., and Overgaard, S. (2013). Mindreading as
social expertise. Synthese. DOI 10.1007/s11229-013-0295-z
This study source was downloaded by 100000815306272 from CourseHero.com on 05-26-2021 06:18:14 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/29326073/CMY3701-ASS-2pdf/
COURSE CODE: CMY3701 ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 02
UNIQUE NUMBER: 577533
1. INTRODUCTION
• Labelling theory is the theory of how the self-identity and behaviour of
individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or
classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and
stereotyping. Labelling theory holds that deviance is not inherent to an act, but
instead focuses on the tendency of majorities to negatively label minorities or
those seen as deviant from standard cultural norms. The theory was prominent
during the 1960s and 1970s, and some modified versions of the theory have
developed and are still currently popular. A stigma is defined as a powerfully
negative label that changes a person's self-concept and social identity.
• Labelling theory is closely related to social-construction and symbolic-
m
interaction analysis. Labelling theory was developed by sociologists during
er as
the 1960s. Howard Saul Becker's book Outsiders was extremely influential in
co
the development of this theory and its rise to popularity. (Resource: Macionis,
eH w
J.; Gerber, L. (2010). Sociology (7th ed.).(Resource: Labelling theory:
o.
Social constructionism, Social stigma, Deinstitutionalisation, George
rs e
Herbert Mead, Howard S. Becker, Labelling)
ou urc
2. DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPTS
2.1 Labelling Perspective
o
aC s
• Labelling theory is based on the idea that behaviours are deviant only when
v i y re
society labels them as deviant. As such, conforming members of society, who
interpret certain behaviours as deviant and then attach this label to individuals,
determine the distinction between deviance and non-deviance. Labelling
ed d
theory questions who applies what label to whom, why they do this, and what
happens as a result of this labelling. (Resource: Macionis, J.; Gerber, L.
ar stu
(2010). Sociology (7th ed.)
2.2 Interactionist approach
sh is
• The interactionist perspective is one of the major theoretical perspectives
Th
within sociology. It focuses on the concrete details of what goes on among
individuals in everyday life. Interactionists study how we use and interpret
symbols not only to communicate with each other, but also to create and
maintain impressions of ourselves, to create a sense of self, and to create and
sustain what we experience as the reality of a particular social situation. From
this perspective, social life consists largely of a complex fabric woven of
countless interactions through which life takes on shape and meaning.
(Resource: Michael, J., Christiansen, W., and Overgaard, S. (2013). Mindreading as
social expertise. Synthese. DOI 10.1007/s11229-013-0295-z
This study source was downloaded by 100000815306272 from CourseHero.com on 05-26-2021 06:18:14 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/29326073/CMY3701-ASS-2pdf/
