NCJ Number
116453
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This analysis of labeling and conflict theories of delinquency examines the social context of these theories, the content of the theories, the empirical adequacy of each, policy implications that flow from them, and their conceptions of law.
Abstract
Labeling refers to the action of control agents or agencies that categorizes adolescent miscreants as delinquents. Such action is viewed by labeling theorists as a factor in increasing a juvenile's sense of alienation from normative society, thus fueling deviant behaviors. This theory developed from the conviction that other delinquency theories did not deal sufficiently with the contributions of control mechanisms to the formation of delinquent identities. Empirical evidence pertinent to the labeling theory is mixed, as some evidence suggests that intervention deters delinquency, and other studies indicate that delinquency increases after official contacts. Labeling policy implications are nonintervention, decriminalization, due process, and diversion. Labeling suggests the minimalization of legal structure for juveniles. Conflict theory also focuses on the contributions of societal structure to delinquency, namely, society's exclusion of youth from meaningful participation in the adult work world. Delinquency or rebellion against this suppression and alienation is an inevitable juvenile reaction to this status. To date little research has focused on the empirical validity of this theory. Policy implications consist of the restructuring of society into a participatory democracy with decentralized control. Under conflict theory, juvenile laws are viewed as tools to suppress juveniles and confirm their place in the socioeconomic structure. The chapter concludes with a case study of a juvenile diversion project based on labeling theory. 6 tables.