LABELLING THEORY – ONE OF THE MAJOR CRIMINOLOGY THEORIES

UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS, MAIN ASSUMED MECHANISMS AND HYPOTHESIS, CRITICAL POINTS

Abstract

The author of the paper, in brief, analysis the labelling theory, namely, the underlying principles
and ideas, main assumed mechanisms and hypothesis, as well as the critical points. It is a criminology
theory that since its appearance from the 1960 onward has attracted the attention of many social science
researchers, theorist and practitioners as well. The theory advances the thesis that the less powerful are
more likely to be labelled as deviants from individuals who have the social power as one of its proponents,
Becker, calls them 'moral entrepreneurs'. Hence, ones a label has been applied, it is more likely to cause
further deviant behaviour or create one. Labelling theory continues to offer an important challenge to
traditional criminological approaches; it remains one of the major criminological theories, receiving
attention, holding promise of continuing to influence research and public policy. Inasmuch, the future of
labelling theory lies in the widespread empirical study of deviance and kinds of deviance.