Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Labeling Theory: The New Perspective, Doug Gay

The Corinthian

This report describes and examines the writings of criminologists from the labeling perspective and focuses on why and how some people come to be defined as deviant and what happens when they are so defined. This paper also addresses the development of labeling theory and the process an individual undergoes to become labeled as deviant. Also examined is the relationship of labeling theory to empirical testing, the value of the theory, and implications for further research.