theoretical essay soc 415

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In 1936, sociologist and criminologist Frank Tannenbaum introduced the concept of labeling theory through his work on the dramatization of evil at The Chicago School of Sociology. (Barmaki, 2017) Labeling theory suggests that when society labels an individual, especially a young person, as evil or deviant based on their criminal actions, the labeling process can have a profound impact on the individual’s self-perception and social identity. Societal reactions and labels play a significant role in shaping an individual’s identity and behaviors, especially within the criminal justice system. (Barmaki, 2017) When society stigmatizes someone and labels these individuals as “evil” it contributes to a self-fulfilling prophecy. What they do is internalize this negative identity, leading to a cycle of criminal behavior and further alienation from society. Howard S. Becker, another prominent sociologist, then expanded on this in his work, “Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance,” in 1963. Becker’s work suggests that deviant behavior of individuals is not naturally deviant but rather it’s a result of societal reactions and labels that are placed on them. His version of the theory is to challenge the traditional perspective labeling theory and emphasizes the importance of understanding social process when it comes to labeling someone. (Plummer, 2001) (Becker, 1963). Labeling theory heavily focuses on the roles and tags we place on each other and how these tags can shape one’s identities and behaviors. When applying that to mental illness, it helps us understand how these tags can contribute to the stigmatization of individuals with mental health conditions. (Weinstein, 1983) Mental illness is a very complexed and complicated issue that affects individuals across various cultures and communities. One community that is heavily impacted by the stigma that surrounds mental illness in the Latino community. Individuals with mental illness not only face the challenges of managing their conditions but also the negative attitudes and behaviors they face in the community. For example, if a person is seen hanging out

with known criminals, he will be labeled a criminal just by association. Hearing enough times will cause the person to then have negative feelings about themselves as the world only sees him as a criminal and nothing else so they would then turn to a life of crime as that is the only way they see fit. If they are seen as criminals, then they’ll just become criminals. In the Latino community, labels carry a heavy weight of criticism, which then lead to negative emotions such as anger and fear. With these negative emotions heightened, an individual will then internalize this negative perception and develop a self-stigmatization, which will then reduce their willingness to seek treatment. (Kroska & Harkness, 2008) Labeling theory suggest that when an individual is labeled as having a mental illness, they are assigned a social identity that causes stigmatization and devalue, in the eyes of society. This stigma is then intensified within the Latino community due to cultural norms and values. (Kroska & Harkness, 2008) There are several factors that may contribute to the stigma surrounding mental illness. First, there is a very strong emphasis on family and community values within the culture. Family and community play a very crucial role in the lives of individuals and often, mental illness is seen as a type of deviation from the culture norms they are used to. Familismo can be defined as a family belief where the needs of the family take priority. It encompasses strong family values within the culture as they are meant to represent unity and loyalty within the dynamic. ( Cecilia, et al, 2010) These cultural expectations can lead to the denial or downplaying of these issues. Seeking help outside of the family can be seen as shameful as issues are meant to be handled within the community, any outside interference is seen as a problem. ( Cecilia, et al, 2010) Traditional gender roles within the community and within the family can also contribute negatively and create more stigma. Machismo places strong emphasis on masculinity and self- reliance, making it difficult for Latino men to acknowledge their own suffering. While the

women are expected to prioritize the wellbeing of their families above their own needs. Because of that, men may feel pressure to hide any signs of vulnerability or struggles, fearing that they will be seen as “weak” or “useless.” these types of pressures can prevent men from seeking any help and receiving the support they need. ( Cecilia, et al, 2010) It is these social attitudes and structural barriers that can cause an induvial within the community to then internalize the label of mental illness differently than anyone else in other cultures. Rather than see it as part of themselves, they take it as pervasive and wrong, causing it to shape their sense of self and influencing their behavior in ways that alight with the societal expectations of mental illness. Labeling theory explores how these labels and reactions to the unfamiliar can influence a person’s behavior and self-identity. Those labeled as “deviants” can lead to a life of stigmatization, discrimination and in some cases, a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals can conform to the expectations that come with being labeled. In the Latino community, its important that we consider the cultural factors that could impact the experience of labeling.

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Ayón, Cecilia, et al. “Latino Family Mental Health: Exploring the Role of Discrimination and Familismo.” Journal of Community Psychology , vol. 38, no. 6, 13 July 2010, pp. 742–756, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947026/, https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.20392. Becker, H.S. (2018) Outsiders studies in the sociology of deviance . New York ; London ; Toronto ; Sydney ; New Delhi, new york: Free Press. Barmaki, R. (2019). On the origin of “labeling” theory in criminology: Frank Tannenbaum and the Chicago school of sociology. Deviant Behavior , 40 (2), 256-271. DeFreitas, S.C. et al. (2018) Perceived and Personal Mental Health Stigma in Latino and African American College Students , National Library Of Medicine . Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5834514/ (Accessed: 09 March 2024). Kroska, A. and Harkness, S.K. (2008) Exploring the Role of Diagnosis in the Modified Labeling Theory of Mental Illness . Available at: https://journals-sagepub-com.ez.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/019027250807100207 (Accessed: 08 March 2024). Mental health challenges and support: Latinx Communities (2020) NAMI California . Available at: https://namica.org/mental-health-challenges-in-latino-communities/#:~:text=Many %20Latinxs%20do%20not%20seek,because%20this%20may%20cause%20shame. (Accessed: 09 March 2024). Plummer, K. (2001) Labeling theory - Ken Plummer, ph.D.. , Labeling Theory . Available at: https://www.sjsu.edu/people/james.lee/courses/soci152/s1/ajreading10labeling.pdf (Accessed: 09 March 2024). Weinstein, R.M. (1983) https://www.jstor.org/stable/2136304 , JSTOR . Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2136304 (Accessed: 09 March 2024).

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