Social Process Theories
<p>Social reaction theory and labeling theory are two names for the same concept that can be used interchangeably. Labeling theory is the idea that explains that criminal careers are catalyzed by stigma inducing encounters (Siegel 230). In other words, labeling theory discusses the way individuals adopt criminal identities as a result of social stigma. To elaborate, when criminals are stigmatized and regarded as criminals, they accept those labels as part of their own identity (Siegel 231). Accordingly, this approach is based on Cooley’s notion of the looking glass self, which asserts that individuals see themselves how society sees them (Siegel 231). Consequently, labeling promotes deviant behavior, isolates these individuals from mainstream society, and binds them to a criminal self identity as a result of stigma producing encounters. For instance, if a child is labeled as a ‘murder’ because her mother is a serial killer, this label could have a lasting impact on her. Despite the child having no previous history of committing crimes, this label could influence her to engage in criminal behavior and continue down a path of crime as she grows up. In the most extreme situation, the child may even end up committing murder as a result of internalizing this label.</p>
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