Sociological Theory Of Labelization - 967 Words

Maya Angelou once said, â€Å"people often put labels on people so they don’t have to deal with the physical fact of those people.† Angelou was addressing the actuality that labels are placed on individuals daily; these labels have an effect on self-perspective. The labeling theory was built on deviant behaviors; consequently, certain individuals are labeled for their behavior. The labeling theory occurs in everyday life through the act of labelization. This topic can be defined when labels are placed on certain individuals based on the individuals actions, views, or way of life. Labelization has existed throughout history and has been an evident stimulator in life, causing no surprise that labeling is the most influential motivator in human†¦show more content†¦Valuing others’ opinions of oneself can then drive an individuals own behavior by given labels. Through examination of the sociological effect on individuals, it can be determined that people ar e shaped by their environment; an environment in which labels are placed on individuals, consequently molding views. When the socialization process is not followed, deviance occurs. Deviance is the violation of social norms, negative or positive, which can create or affect labels; deviance has a direct correlation with the labelization process. Deviance has been awarded a negative connotation, which is undeserving (Henslin). An example of labeling caused by deviance in The Crucible would be the label placed on the women of Salem. Many women in Salem were labeled as witches due to revenge or their deviant actions. Sarah Good was labeled as a witch for her deviance in Salem society. Sarah Good would often sleep in random ditches and was known to be mentally unstable, due to this, she was assumed to be a witch (Miller). There was no evidence against Sarah Good besides her abnormalities when compared to the ideal Salem lifestyle, therefore proving the labeling theory. Another example of ongoing deviance in The Crucible would include the actions of John Proctor. Salem saw John Proctor as deviance due to John plowing on Sunday and not supporting Reverend Parris. Both of these actions were seen as