Labeling theory is one of the first theories to propose that the reaction, not the act is what makes something deviant. Labeling theorists believe that labeling and reacting to offenders as "criminals" has unanticipated negative consequences, deepening the criminal behavior and making the crime problem worse. They believe that the criminal justice system is dangerous in the sense that it is "casting the net" of social control too widely.

Frank Tannenbaum first developed the main concept of labeling theory in 1938. Tannenbaum was perhaps the first labeling theorist. His main idea was the dramatization of evil. He argued that giving a label to an individual or giving them special treatment becomes a way of stimulating, suggesting, and evoking the same misconduct complained of.
Edwin Lemert is regarded as the founder of what is called the "societal reaction" approach; this approach distinguishes between primary deviance (where individuals do not see themselves a deviant, or are......

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Title: Label
Approximate Word Count: 303
Approximate Pages: 2 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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