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.