Therefore, while social control theory is one view, there are many alternative theories that take other findings and variables into account. In general, the view that a deviant child who does not change by a certain age is "condemned "to a life of crime if sharply criticized, as it often does not concur with empirical findings. Theories put forward by Gottfredson and Hirsch propose another view of the life-course towards crime that takes into account the fact that in many case early deviant behavior does not necessarily lead to a life-long pattern of criminal behavior.
Question 4.
Describe the labeling theory and the consequences that labeling can have on a child. Should we be concerned with labeling? Why or why not?
In essence, labeling theory refers to the way that legal and other institutions organizations 'label" or categorize people as being deviant or criminal. While these organizations label people as a result of the process of law, incarceration and rehabilitation, many theorist contend that this labeling in fact increases or exacerbates the individuals involvement in criminal activities.
Labeling theory in criminology is a view of the criminal not as a separate individual but as a group or a certain category or "types" of individual. Therefore, Labeling Theory states the fact that certain groups of people are 'labeled' as criminals, instigates criminal behavior.
Labeling Theory was a child of the 1960s and 1970s, which saw criminals as underdogs who initially did something out of the ordinary, and then got swept up in a huge, government-sponsored labeling or shunning reaction. It argues that anyone facing such an overwhelming, negative labeling social reaction will eventually become more like the label because that is the only way out for their identify formation.
Crime Theories)
This theory results in the perception of deviance or deviant behavior in sociology and criminology as a reaction to societal norms and pressures. In other words, crime is defined not in terms of individual choice but in terms of social definitions.
Deviance is not a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an offender. The deviant is one to whom that label has successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label.
Overview of Labeling Theories)
The reason why labeling theory should be given serious consideration is that it is concerned with the way that individual may be stigmatized by these labels or categories. The contention is that this stigmatization can result in a negative perception and treatment of that individual - which can lead to these persons internalizing that label, developing negative views about themselves, and consequently leading a life of crime or deviance. Therefore, while agencies and organization use labels ostensibly as an attempt to reduce crime, they may in fact be perpetuating criminal propensities.
However, it should also be noted that there are many studies that do not support the views of labeling theory. They state that there is little empirical evidence to support the claim that labeling or categorization leads directly to an increase in crime. This once again brings up the point that there are many variables and aspects that have to be considered in the assessment of the causes of criminal behavior. Nevertheless, labeling theory does provide an important contribution to the understanding of criminal behavior.
Question
Define child abuse and think about its prevalence in the United States. Based on your understanding of families and delinquency, what are two things you would do to address child abuse? Be sure to support your response.
According to a recent report from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), approximately 905,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect in 2006. (ACF Questions and Answers Support) of this figure "....64.1% suffered neglect, 16% were physically abused, 8.8% were sexually abused, 6.6% were emotionally or psychologically maltreated, and 2.2% were medically neglected" (ACF Questions and Answers Support). This also includes at least fifteen percent who suffered from other forms of abuse, such as "threats of harm to the child," and "congenital drug addiction." (ACF Questions and Answers Support) These figures not only outline the extent of the problem but also show that the term 'child abuse' has many different aspects that need to be included in a comprehensive view of the problem.
While estimates and definitions differ, most States in the country find that the perpetrators...
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