Critique of Labeling Theory
Labeling theory posits that individuals come to identify and behave in ways that reflect how others label them. It points out how social processes of labeling and treating someone as criminally deviant actually foster deviant behaviors . The negative repercussions mainly drive this for that person since others are likely to be biased against them because of the label. This theory could raise the crime rates in the society. Why? Because when a person is prejudiced against the notion that they look criminal, it triggers a sense of bitterness. Such a person would feel despised and left out by the society and could resort in revenge actions to get back to the community for their judgmental nature. By ‘getting back' at the society, it implies criminally deviant behaviors that could range from physical abuse to murder in the extreme cases. This label fosters a feeling of bitterness.
Conflict Theory
The conflict theory claims that the society is in a state of perpetual conflict because of competition for the limited resources. It holds that social order and peace is maintained by domination and power, instead of consensus and conformity. Those with wealth and power try to hold on to it through any means possible, chiefly by suppressing the poor and powerless. This theory would raise crime rates in the society. How? For the fact that order is maintained by domination and power, it means one would do anything to gain power. In this case, many people climb to power through corruption, theft, and other forms of social vices. This raises the crime rate in the society. Then once wealthy and mighty, these men cling on to power by suppressing any force that rises against their authority. This could mean assassination plots. Similarly, they exploit those beneath them to continue rendering their services at meager compensations.
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Societal settings, such as peer groups would positively affect the labeling theory. In most cases, the groups tend to be rebellious and defiant of the rules and expectations of the society. This is mainly the case for teenage groups. Since they show such signs of defiance, they could easily pass as criminal groups. But in so doing, they attract hate, and prejudice, which then triggers their illegal activities like drug abuse and theft. Although it starts as an act of mischief, it could spiral into a wave of dangerous criminal activities. Families, on the other hand, positively affect the conflict theory. Most influential families in the society rose to power as a result of family feuds, most of which culminated into vendettas. These families spend a more significant part of their time and fortune trying to take each other down. The same goes for tyrant politicians and some leading figures in the corporate world.
I must admit that these two theories do a better job of explaining the origin of crime. It is vital to understand how crime originates in a bid to adopt better strategies that would effectively fight crime. Some criminal actions may be a way of acting out, as is the case in the labeling theory. However, both arguments fail in giving applicable solutions. It is essential that the society understands it is responsible for the crimes committed against it due to the systems it has in place. As such, providing evidence-based solutions that would be applicable by the society is an integral part in explaining these crimes. They also fail to point out the role families play in promoting crimes in the case of Labeling Theory. Some crimes result from parental bias and neglect. They tend to label ‘trouble' kids. This could lead in criminal activities by the children.
