Interactionism & Labelling Theory

• Evaluation of the Labelling Theory:

  The labelling theory shows that the law isn't a fixed set of rules, but something that's construction should be explained. It shows the law can be enforced in discriminatory ways, and that crime statistics are a record of the control agents, not criminals. It shows that society's attempts to control deviance can backfire and create more deviance.
• Evaluation of the Labelling Theory:

  It tends to be deterministic, implying that once someone is labelled, a deviant career is inevitable. Though it also assumes that offenders are passive victims of labelling; ignoring that some actively choose deviance (free will, links to Rational Choice Theory of Right Realists). Additionally, the emphasis of the negative effects of labelling gives offenders a victim status- Realist sociologists claims this ignores the real victims of crime.
• Evaluation of the Labelling Theory:

  Implies that without labelling, deviance wouldn't exist; and implies that deviants are unaware that they have been deviant until they are labelled- yet most are conscious and rational that they are going against norms (link to Right Realism; Rational Choice Theory). Though it does recognise the role of power in creating deviance, it only focuses on 'middle range officials'. Whereas Marxism explains how the ruling/capitalist class use laws to exploit the working class.