Theories of Deviance Applied

Labeling theory: deviant identity

Labeling theory has its roots in symbolic interactionism. It refers to the idea that human beings tend to see themselves how others view them. It's usually the dominant group (white, middle and upper classes) that create definitions/characteristics of a deviant label. Labeling theory is based on the idea that an individual becomes deviant when two things occur: first a deviant label is applied to them (loser, nerd), and then they adopt the label by portraying the behaviors, actions, and attitudes associated with the label. Labeling theory argues that people become deviant as a result of people forcing that identity upon them and then adopting the identity. Deviant labels refer to identities that are known for falling outside of cultural norms. People who are labeled negatively develop a deviant identity (sense of self).

My article, from Medical News Today, focuses on body piercings and the implication of a mental illness associated with them. The article addresses many studies that have taken place which show no real connection but have concluded that body piercings are a high risk behavior and often found in those who self-repot psychopathological symptoms, mostly adolescent girls. Studies have also linked body piercings to alcohol use, smoking, and even drug use for both sexes.

With the inference of a mental illness in society, young girls are fully aware that if they have a body piercing, or desire to get one, they will be judged negatively and labeled as (probably) a rebel. This label being placed on the individual encourages them to carry out the duties of that label; including angry behavior, substance abuse, and mental illness. When we place labels on people, we are actually creating that label since people see themselves the way others see them; Cooley called this process the 'looking-glass self'.

Historical relativity

Historical relativity refers to a behavior that was at one time considered a deviant behavior but more recently has become more socially acceptable. Historical relativity would be considered a subjectivist view of deviance. Examples of this include homosexual couples, and single-parent households.

My news article focuses on historical relativity of single moms. It suggests that many women are now becoming single mothers rather than when it used to be by accident. It also looks at the economic benefits single moms have for markets. A young mom's dream having it all has helps boost economic profit. Single parent mother families are growing with about 40% of children being born to them. An interesting point is that 55% of single mothers consider themselves to be 'traditional' moms. Single moms are accepted today in mainstream society.

When stigma (negative attitudes or feelings) is removed from certain behaviours, whether its homosexuality and lone-parent families, that behaviour becomes more socially accepted and is likely to increase. So even though single mother families were once frowned upon, with increasing secularization and greater diversity in families, single moms have emerged victoriously.

Internal deviance

Internal deviance is derived from containment theory. Containment theory is part of the variations of social control theories. Internal deviance is something within us that pushes us into deviance. For example, a certain characteristic (short tempered) or even a mental illness.

A news article from BBC News is an example. A man, John McFarlane, who shot Mary Griffiths in front of her daughters in MAY 2009 was found to have a history of mental illness. Although McFarlane posed