Question

Which theory posits that society creates deviance through a system of social control agencies that designate certain individuals as delinquent, thereby stigmatizing them and encouraging them to accept this negative personal identity?1. Social Reaction Theory (Labeling Theory)2. Social Conflict Theory (Conflict Theory)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1. Social Reaction Theory (Labeling Theory)

Explanation:

In societies, the word "deviance" refers to actions that violate the norms of a society, this includes crimes such as stealing or killing a person. One of the theories that explain this is the Labeling Theory, also known as the Social Reaction Theory, which proposes individuals shape their identity and behavior based on social labels. In this way, if someone is labeled or considered as a criminal he/she is more likely to change his/her behavior to fit with the label, and therefore commit crimes. Additionally, the labeling theory considers labeling often occurs in certain control agencies such as school. Thus, the theory that best fits the description is the Social Reaction Theory (Labeling Theory).