Table of ContentsEmergence and PerspectivesApplications and CriticismsConclusion, also known as social reaction theory, is a framework that explains how certain behaviors and Individuals are labeled by society, and how these labels influence future behaviors and opportunities. According to this theory, society has certain standards and expectations that individuals must follow. When individuals violate these norms, they are labeled deviant, and this label itself can shape their future behavior and determine their social status. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayEmergence and PerspectivesLabeling theory emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against traditional theories of crime and delinquency. The classical perspective posits that individuals engage in crime because they are rational and choose to commit a crime after considering its costs and benefits. On the other hand, the biological perspective attributes criminal behavior to factors such as genetics, brain structure, or chemical imbalances. Labeling theory, however, takes a different approach. This suggests that society, through its agents of social control such as the police, courts, and media, creates deviance by labeling certain individuals and behaviors as such. These labels become identities that individuals adopt and internalize, and the resulting stigma and discrimination can lead to further deviance and criminal behavior. For example, a young person who is labeled a troublemaker by their teacher may internalize this label and begin to exhibit more disruptive behavior in class. Applications and Criticisms Labeling theory has been applied to a variety of contexts, from juvenile delinquency to mental illness to substance abuse. abuse. In the case of juvenile delinquency, for example, labeling theory suggests that formal intervention by the juvenile justice system can backfire and lead to more deviant behavior. Instead of rehabilitating young people, this can stigmatize them and isolate them from society, which makes their reintegration and academic and professional success more difficult. Similarly, in the case of mental illness, labeling theory suggests that diagnostic labels such as "schizophrenia" or "bipolar disorder" can become self-fulfilling prophecies, leading individuals to adopt the behaviors and attitudes associated with these labels. Additionally, the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness can exacerbate symptoms and lead to further marginalization and isolation. In the case of drug abuse, labeling theory suggests that the war on drugs and the criminalization of drug use can create a vicious cycle of labeling and stigmatization. When drug users are arrested and labeled as criminals, they may have more difficulty finding jobs and housing and turn to crime to support their use. Additionally, labeling certain drugs as "dangerous" or "addictive" can lead to overreactions and harsh treatment of users, rather than treating drug abuse as a public health problem. Despite its popularity and applicability to various contexts, labeling theory has been received. its share of criticisms and limitations. One criticism is that it places too much emphasis on the labeling process itself and.