Labeling Theory, and Monster: Biography of an L.A. Gang Member - Essay Example

f labeling theory, which is a social control theory that states deviant behavior will perpetuate itself based on preconceived notions and perceptions of deviance (Becker, 2000). In other words, Scott is caught up in a system that is based on society “oppressing every person of color” (Scott, 2002), and labeling them in terms of deviance as well as lowered expectations for mainstream or conventional achievement, outside of gang life. In looking at labeling theory as it applies to Scott, control theory comes into play, but perhaps the most interesting facet of the study of deviance relates to labeling theory.

Labeling theory has much to do with the current mass-media concentration on racial and age profiling among law-enforcement officers. Social control is supposed to be supported and determined by reasonable discretion among law enforcement officers, but in many cases, deviance can be seen to create itself through authority as authority seeks to contact those groups it labels as deviant. This is the basic defining principle of labeling theory. In many cases, these groups (in Scott’s case, young African-American males) are singled out and contacted (not necessarily arrested) as a form of social control, which is determined through the authority figure’s discretion not to pursue charges against people perpetrating detected but unsanctioned crimes (or making arrests in terms of sanctioned crimes).

This state of sanctioning is what is seen to jump statistically along racial lines, arguably (using labeling theory) insuring the perpetuity of unreasonably detected deviant behavior (Becker, 2000). Labeling theory is a psychological theory. Psychological theories of deviance, like biological ones, are likely to see deviance as being a disease or sickness that is curable or treatable through other methods. Unlike biological measures, however, psychological theories are more likely to see that the behavior that leads so many youths into the juvenile justice