A Survey on Relationship between Re-arrestment, Labeling, Deviant Identity and Social Exclusion in Tabriz Prison, Iran

Abstract

Crime and social deviancies are dilemma in all over the world. Evidences showed that having a previous experience of imprisonment led to more involvement in legal problems. This study aimed to determine the relationship between labeling, deviant identity and social exclusion with re- arrestment as the most objective index of to be involved in committing crime. Sample included all prisoners in the Tabriz prisons, 180 people. To assess the indexes a self construct questionnaire with three subscales and 30 items designed and the variables measured. Validity and reliability coefficients of the scale were reported as a part of test-making process. Re-arrestment information was achieved from the judiciary system records which as a part of legal procedure recorded. The gathered data were analysed with Pearson correlation and other central tendency indexes. Results showed a robust relationship between re-arrestment and the other variables. These findings indicated the importance of labeling, social learning, social identity and differential association theories to explain consequences of imprisonment for people.