Labeling Theory
The labeling theory describes how members of a group work together according to specific rules and can make new rules through their interactions with one another. It is also about how rules and norms determine who can talk to whom. Members of a group can add their own group rules if they feel the need to, but are still bound to the original rules that they began with. This can be seen as structure and process. The structure is the outcome of the change (the rules of the group), while the process is the group communication that makes the change. Structures in a group can be meeting times, what to wear to meetings, voting, and how to divide work. Through the member’s conversations the rules can change to help the need of the group. (mhhe.com).
Anthony Giddens (seen to the left) is the researcher who derived this theory (Wheeler-Brooks, 2009).
An example can be seen looking at a small group. If three people are chosen to take turns running group meetings and only one of them comes prepared every time it is their turn, this is a problem. The group would discuss the problem and try to change it, however, they are still bound to having the one person continue leading group meetings because they came prepared.
Click here to view an example of how the labeling theory is not being performed. The majority of the group voted one way and still did not get the change they wanted.
