Question

Which of the following theories argues that once students are defined as deviant they adopt a deviant role in response to their lowered status?

a) labeling theory
b) strain theory
c) cultural deviance theory
d) social control theory

Answer 1

Labeling theory argues that once students are defined as deviant they adopt a deviant role in response to their lowered status.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that argues that once students are defined as deviant they adopt a deviant role in response to their lowered status is labeling theory (a).

Labeling theory examines the ascribing of deviant behavior to another person by members of society. It suggests that what is considered deviant is determined not so much by the behaviors themselves or the people who commit them, but by the reactions of others to these behaviors. Once a person is labeled as deviant, they may internalize this label and take on the deviant role assigned to them.

For example, if a student is labeled as a troublemaker by their teachers and peers, they may start behaving in more deviant ways, such as skipping class or getting into fights, as a way to live up to the deviant role that has been assigned to them.