Sociology Essay Sample: Deviant Labels and Stigma

Deviance refers to conduct that does not conform to the society's norms. The society tags people with deviant labels depending on these individuals actions or characteristics. These labels may be either positive or negative. Stigma, on the other hand, entails very powerful, negative labels that the society tags people with. These negative labels may change an individuals social identity and self-concept. However, both deviant labels and stigma are social constructs of the society.

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Social groups create deviance. The social groups create rules, whose violation amounts to deviance. When one breaks these rules that the social groups have formulated, then he or she is tagged with deviant labels. For instance, if one performs below average in the class, he or she may be considered as unwise, whereas, if she or he performs outstandingly, his or her classmates may label the performance as deviant (Haenfler, 2010). The powerful individuals within a group impose the labels, and it involves some form of value judgment. When these labels are negative, then they can become a stigma, which may affect an individual's social life. Therefore, one can deduce that the society creates deviance labels, through the rules that it creates.

The societal norms change with time depending on the societys perception of a subject or activity, and the images that are portrayed or associated with an action. Erickson et. Al (2000) notes how the use of drugs such as heroin, tobacco, alcohol, and other "highs" was highly disapproved of by the society. The society considered the indulgence in such activities as deviance from the social norms, and the partakers in such activities were tagged with deviant labels. Women abused drugs, for instance, were regarded as fallen women. However, later on in the century, some of these activities have come to be accepted by the society, and they are regarded as a norm. Alcohol use and cigarette smoking, for example, have received the societys approval and are regarded as normal behavior. Further, when women took part in the abuse of these drugs and substances, they were stigmatized and perceived as social misfits or prostitutes (Erickson et. al, 2000). Such women are even deemed as unable to love or to take care of their children. Therefore, one can argue that stigma, and deviant labels are a consequence of social constructs, given that they change depending on societys attitude.

Norms tend to change from one society to another, making it apparent that deviant labels and stigma are social constructs. Haenfler (2010) acknowledges that where some behaviors are regarded as norms in some societies, in others they are regarded as deviant behavior. In the Christian world, for instance, tattoos and other gothic signs are regarded as deviant. From a non-religious perspective, such activities are considered as normal and do not attract any social labels or stigma. Further, the norms tend to change from geographical location to another, showing that the particular society has created the rules (Haenfler 2010). A violation of these rules will attract deviant labels, and may even escalate to stigma. In some countries, for example, abortion is considered as normal and does not draw any labels or stigma. In others, abortion is considered as deviant from the norms, and may even be considered as a crime.

Deviant labels and stigma are determined by the society's attitude towards a subject or activity. When an individuals actions, activities, or characteristics are not in line with the particular societys attitude towards the subject, then deviant labels or stigma are used against the individual. Mentally ill people, for instance, were stigmatized by the society at the beginning of the twentieth century (Erickson et. al, 2010). These people were labeled as dangerous, despite the extent of their illness. They institutionalized and isolated from the rest of the population. However later in the century and after much education, the perception towards the mentally ill has changed. Presently, mental illness is considered normal just like any other disease. The societys attitude towards the subject has changed. Thus, one can deduce that deviant labels and stigma emerge from the societys attitude towards a subject.

Consequences of Labeling and Stigmatization

Labeling and stigmatization are detrimental, especially to the individuals that are labeled or stigmatized. While the individual can hide the discrediting attitude from the society, he or she cannot hide it from him or herself. Labeling and stigmatization lead to withdrawal and isolation from social life, thus limiting the victim's contribution to the society (Link & Phelan, 2006). Further, they lead to restriction of social roles and activities. The society inhibits individuals from taking parting the society's routine activities such as caring for children. Link and Phelan (2006) further argue that labeling and stigmatization cause diminished self-esteem in the affected individuals. They may also result in a lack of confidence and skills; thus, the affected individuals may not fully contribute to the society. Besides, the stigma towards a person may cause stigma by association ((Link & Phelan, 2006). The immediate family members of the affected individual may feel stigmatized as well, which may affect their contribution to society.

References

Erickson, P. G., Butters, J., McGillicuddy, P., & Hallgren, A. (2000). Crack and prostitution: gender, myths, and experiences. Journal of Drug Issues, 30(4), 767-788.

Becker, H. S. (1953). Becoming a marihuana user. American journal of Sociology, 59(3), 235-242.

Haenfler, R. (2010). Goths, gamers, and grrrls: Deviance and youth subcultures. New York: Oxford University Press.Oxford University Press.

Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2006). Stigma and its public health implications. The Lancet, 367(9509), 528.