Psychology Commons^™

On Understanding The Processes Of Peer Rejection : The Potential Contributions Of Labelling Theory, Sydney Carroll Thomas

Counseling Faculty Scholarship

Labelling theory has been a useful analytic tool for examining the self-fulfilling prophecy in schools. While many studies have explicated the process of labelling from teacher to student—much less scholarly attention has been focused on peer-labelling. This article introduces this perspective as a useful analytic tool for understanding peer-rejection and the enormous consequences of ignoring the problem of peer-labelling. Discussion will conclude with some general suggestions of ways in which educators can help prevent and remedy peer-rejection.