Question

This theory of deviant behavior suggests that what defines deviance is the action of others or by the actors themselves. the crucial variable here is the power of the tagger.

Select one:

a. Labeling Theory
b. Conflict Theory
c. None of these
d. Power Elite Theory

Answer 1

The theory that posits deviance as a product of societal response, particularly influenced by the societal power of those applying the labels, is known as Labeling Theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory of deviant behavior that suggests that what defines deviance is the action of others or by the actors themselves, where the power of the 'tagger' is the crucial variable, is a. Labeling Theory.

Labeling theory is centered around the idea that deviance is not intrinsic to an act but is instead the result of the labels applied by society to certain behaviors. Actions are not inherently deviant on their own; they become deviant when society labels them as such. The key component in labeling theory is the reaction of others, which can include informal sanctions like social ostracism or formal sanctions such as legal penalties.

The power dynamics inherent in who has the ability to apply labels is crucial, as this often determines which behaviors are considered deviant. For example, if a person with societal power labels a particular group's behavior as deviant, that label can have significant consequences for how the group is perceived and treated. This theory underlines the subjective nature of deviance, indicating that social norms and power relations significantly influence the process of labeling an act or an individual as deviant.