Criminological Theory Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Criminological Theory - Research Paper Example Crimes differ from place to place and it is relevant to consider each case under certain/specific conditions. Unfortunately, the law is considered to be â€Å"the same for all the people† that means that cases are judged according to common rules, notwithstanding that some of them need special attention. Labeling theory has been developed with regards to social constructionist theory. In accordance with the labeling theory, crime is a defined set of symbols, assigned to this social act by a representative of the society by other members of the society.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tannenbaum  (1938) can be considered one of the first labeling theorists. He claimed that interpretation of evil and an individual’s attitude toward evil identifies his potential criminal behavior (cited by Clarke). In accordance with  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lemert  (1951), the "societal reaction" approach was suggested. This approach was characterized by the differentiation of primary and secondary deviance (i.e. acceptance/ non-acceptance of the deviant status by a criminal). Becker (1963) was focused on the conceptual development of â€Å"moral entrepreneurs†, or members of the society who could label a certain way of a criminal’s behavior as violating the law (cited by Clarke).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Currently, there are some points borrowed from labeling theory, which refer to social constructivist considerations.    In accordance with modern representatives of labeling theory, the societies create crimes by developing the laws. The essence and the nature of the law should be considered with regards to social reactions expressed by the society concerning one or another law.    Modern theorists of labeling theory underline the necessity to focus on â€Å"controlology† or a group of theories focused on â€Å"moral panics, but mostly the view that criminal justice agencies are part of broader social control mechanisms, like welfare, mental health,  education, the military, and the mass media, all of which are used by the state to control "problem" populations† (Arvanites 1992).