Exam 7: Labeling and Reintegrative Shaming Theory

According to labeling theory, being labeled deviant depends more on who you are than on what you do.

The evidence from research on labeling theory shows that the stigmatizing labels that result from being caught and punished by the official juvenile or criminal justice system have more of an impact on continuation of a deviant career than do all the social and psychological factors that caused the behavior in the first place.

Labeling theory as an explanation of criminal and deviant behavior:

In Braithwaite's latest statements about reintegrative shaming theory, he argues that it attempts to use both explanatory theory and "normative theory."

Recent studies suggest that informal labeling (e.g., by parents, teachers, and others) may have the unintended consequence of contributing to delinquency.

Deviance that occurs as an adaptation to the stigma attached to a deviant label is called:

Here is a list of social psychological theories we have analyzed thus far in the course: A. social bonding theory B. social learning theory C. self-control theory D. labeling theory E. reintegrative shaming theory (1) Choose one of these theories, and identify its major concepts and central propositions. Then, using the major criteria identified in Akers and Sellers, evaluate that theory. OR (2) Choose one of these theories, and address the question of what the policy implications of the theory are. Describe one or more programs or policies that are based on or reflect the principles of that theory. Have such programs been evaluated, and if so, what were the findings of that research on how effective or successful the programs were? OR (3) Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of any two of these theories

Braithwaite argues that the kind of response that an offender receives has important implications for his or her future behavior. In this regard, he draws a distinction between:

Evaluate diversion programs. What is diversion, and what is it designed to achieve? In what way is it based on labeling theory? How effective have diversion programs been, and what problems have they encountered?

Research on juvenile delinquency and juvenile court appearances has found that the most important predictor of recidivism was:

Labeling theory is consistent with the development of which of the following social policies?

Studies of adolescent and adult offenders indicate that the application of formal legal sanctions:

Do you think radical nonintervention is an appropriate diversion program for a first-time juvenile offender? What could the possible pros and cons of nonintervention be? How do you think nonintervention would affect recidivism rates?

John Braithwaite tested his theory of reintegrative shaming by examining rates of staff compliance with nursing home regulations.

Explain how labeling theory has had an impact on juvenile justice policy in the United States.

How much research has been done to test directly John Braithwaite's theory that reintegrative shaming will reduce, whereas disintegrative shaming will increase, the likelihood of future offending? Does this research support or contradict the theory?

Restorative justice conferences are not cost-effective, but very effective at reducing recidivism among offenders participating in them.

The policy implications of labeling theory lend support to programs that keep delinquents in the juvenile justice system as long as possible without increasing the costs.

Labeling theory hypothesizes that the application of stigmatizing labels enhances or amplifies deviance, even though it does not have much of an effect on the person's self-identity.

Braithwaite proposes that the negative effects of labeling can be avoided if punishment of a deviant act: