Sociological Theories of Crime: Labeling Theory and Social Learning Theory

CRIMINOLOGY
WEEK 8: Sociological Theories
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CRIMINOLOGY
The two selected sociological theories of crime are labeling theory and social learning theory.
Comparison & Contrast
There is significant difference with regards to the two selected theories. As per the
labeling theory the prime reason why criminals emerge cannot be explained on the basis of
their social background but is the result of labeling of the concerned authorities. In sharp
contrast, the social learning theory highlights that conformity and deviance both are the result
of learning in a social structure. The probability of acting in a deviant manner tends to
increase when the differential association with deviant characters is higher. As a result, the
social background and upbringing plays a pivotal role in deviant behavior as per the social
learning theory (Macionis & Gerber, 2015).
The labeling theory tends to look at deviance as a self-fulfilling prophecy where an
individual who is labeled as a criminal or acting in a deviant manner tends to then start acting
in a deviant manner owing to the incentives that tend to exist for the same. Also, there is a
aspect of exploitation involved in this labeling considering that the bias of regulatory
agencies tends to promote or curb deviant behavior. As a result, deviant behavior tends to
witnessed more in communities that are less affluent and have a negative bias. It is not
however related to the way of upbringing since the crime begins with the labeling of the act
as criminal (Macionis, 2012).
The social learning theory tends to be based on key concepts such as differential
association, differential reinforcement and imitation. The social context provided to the
individual is dependent on the direct and indirect exposure to individuals or reference groups
that are engaged in criminal or deviant activities. Further, the likelihood of committing future
criminal activities would be dependent on the past rewards and punishments associated with
the criminal activities in the past. As a result, the role of reinforcements is pivotal in the
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CRIMINOLOGY
learning theory. Further, imitation also exists where an individual tends to engage in a
behavior similar to what he/she has witnessed others do (Youngs, 2018).
Description of Crimes
In accordance with the labeling theory, the actions that are labeled as crime are not
intrinsically criminal acts but the labeling of these actions as deviant behavior or criminal
activity leads to the activity becoming criminal. Hence, the crux is that criminal activities are
not the consequence of the actions taken by the underlying individual but the consequence of
the action labeling carried out by different agencies (Macionis, 2012).
A famous example with regards to the above theory has been indicated by Howard
Becker when he highlights how the same event would be defined differently in two different
neighborhoods which essentially leads to criminal behavior. For instance, any fight amongst
young people in a low income neighborhood is considered by the police as an act of
delinquency. However, the very same act in a high income neighborhood would not be
viewed similarly and would be disregarded as people in high spirits. This essentially is one of
the major reasons responsible for high incidence of crime rate amongst Blacks and Hispanic
community while a low incidence is observed amongst white affluent community
(Thompson, 2016).
As per the learning theory, crimes are acts which are intrinsically bad since they end
to go against the norms and rules in relation to the conduct which have been set by the
society. Considering that the right and wrong is defined by the society, hence the interaction
with society plays a pivotal role in determining activities as deviant and criminal. Thus,
unlike labeling theory the criminal activities are pre-defined by the society and any individual
who engages in these are criminal as these activities are detrimental to the society (Youngs,
2018). Hence, the engaging of individuals in deviant acts leads to them being called as
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