Labeling Theory
The current criminal justice policy exercised in the United States and across the globe arises from the processes of labeling, social reaction, and state intervention. The responses and measures different states implement tend to be counterproductive when seeking to address the challenges of crime. For example, harsher and longer sentences were considered as the best strategies for discouraging offenders from repeating their offenses in the 1960s (Abrah, 2018). However, such measures proved ineffective since more people continue to commit additional criminal acts. Similarly, labeling is a notion that explains how community members identify and associate with individuals who commit offenses as criminals (Brookman & Copes, 2018). The “criminal” tag will become part of the offender’s life, thereby resulting in a unique social status. If the person decides to reform, such a label might remain and eventually compel him or her to engage in criminal acts.
The social reaction is a process whereby members of the public will treat every offender as a criminal. When the individual chooses to pursue his or her entire life as a criminal, the level of deviance tends to increase significantly. However, changes in societal views about different practices will result in additional reactions (Brookman & Copes, 2018). Society will be in a position to dictate when a behavior could become illegal or acceptable in the targeted region. From these forces, it is evident that the reaction of the society, the power of labeling, and state intervention could result in unintended consequences, such as an increased rate of offending. Sometimes those who decide to reform might be unable to be reintegrated back to the respective communities. Professionals and policymakers should, therefore, consider this form of knowledge to implement new ways of improving the nature and effectiveness of this country’s criminal justice system.
Conflict Theory
Modern radical criminological theorists have been keen to examine the nature of crime and its connection with capitalism. Conflict theories try to explain how the existence of economic differences and reduced social mobilities force some people to engage in misbehaviors to improve their experiences (Salakhova, Bulgakov, Sokolovskaya, Khammatova, & Mikhaylovsky, 2016). According to Marxist concepts, the capitalist system focuses on the best strategies to maximize wealth and income. However, it fails to offer the best guidelines to achieve such aims while protecting the rights of the greatest majority. In communities that promote capitalism as the best economic system, individuals are expected to focus on their experiences and statuses without considering the welfare of their friends, neighbors, or even colleagues. This trend results in a more pronounced conflict that everyone sets the stage for increased cases of deviance.
Personally, I have studied various theories to identify the most appropriate and convincing that can explain this unique relationship between capitalism and crime. The outstanding model is string theory by Robert Merton who expanded Emile Durkheim’s notions. According to the concept, capitalistic societies require their members to pursue the best approaches to become successful and wealthy (Gallo, 2013). Unfortunately, such communities fail to present evidence-based opportunities to the majority of the citizens. Such gaps force them to play the role of laborers, thereby being unable to record positive social mobilities. This precarious situation compels them to consider illegitimate means that could make them successful. Consequently, the problems of deviance and crime continue to prevail in many states associated with capitalism (Gallo, 2013). This knowledge is capable of guiding policymakers and leaders to consider the best approaches to support the underprivileged members of society.
References
Abrah, P. B. (2018). Labeling theory and life stories of juvenile delinquents transitioning into adulthood. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(2), 179-197.
Brookman, F., & Copes, H. (2018). Visualizing crime and deviance: Editors introduction. Deviant Behavior, 39(4), 417-420.
Gallo, G. (2013). Conflict theory, complexity and systems approach. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 30, 156-175.
Salakhova, V. B., Bulgakov, A. V., Sokolovskaya, I. E., Khammatova, R. S., & Mikhaylovsky, M. N. (2016). Substantive (content-related) characteristics of deviant behavior as a social and psychological phenomenon. International Journal of Environmental & Science Education, 11(17), 10609-10622.