Negative Labels

Abstract

The focus of this paper is the process by which a deviant role is created and maintained through the imposition of negative labels. The potentially undesirable consequences of negative labels are discussed as passageways that direct and initiate a deviant career and as prisons that restrain a person within a deviant role. It is suggested that these negative labels create a highly visible deviant identity, damaging self-concepts, and socie tal expectations that may tend to perpetuate and intensify the very behavior objected to. Negative labels are stereotypes that may become overgeneralized and inaccurate. The problems they create for the deviant may channel him into new forms of deviance. They may also direct action by society which insures the accuracy and perpetuation of the label. Finally, punishing labels often drive people into deviant communities and subcul tures that support their members in their deviant roles and insulate them from change.