Leimaantumisteoriat

Leimaantumisteoriat, often translated as "labeling theories" or "tagging theories," represent a perspective within sociology and criminology that focuses on the social reaction to behavior rather than the behavior itself. These theories posit that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act, but rather a consequence of the application of rules and sanctions by others to an offender. In essence, when a person is labeled as deviant by society or significant others, they may internalize this label and begin to act in accordance with it.

The core idea is that the social process of labeling, identifying, and stigmatizing an individual or group can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. For example, a young person who is officially labeled as a delinquent after committing a minor offense might find it harder to escape this identity. They may be ostracized by peers, face limited opportunities, and consequently associate more with other labeled individuals, further reinforcing their deviant identity.

Key proponents of labeling theory include Howard Becker, who emphasized the role of "moral entrepreneurs" in creating rules and applying labels, and Edwin Lemert, who distinguished between primary deviance (initial acts of rule-breaking) and secondary deviance (behavior that occurs as a result of the labeling process). Labeling theories have influenced understanding of crime, mental illness, and other social deviations, highlighting the power of social perception and its impact on individual identity and behavior.