Comparing Labeling and Conflict Theories

Labeling and Conflict Theory

Conflict theory is largely based upon a Marxist conception of human relations. It suggests that the definition of crime is created by social elites to bolster their social position. For example, for many years within the criminal justice system, the crime of using crack cocaine was penalized significantly more than the use of powder cocaine. Not coincidentally, a Marxist theorist would note, people living in the inner city were more likely to use the cheaper, crack alternative. Both drugs were equally dangerous and deleterious to society yet based upon social class, abusers were punished very differently. Conflict theorists regard crime as a subjective, class-based notion -- hence, an African-American person sitting at a 'whites only' lunch counter was considered a criminal in the south during the 1950s, despite the fact that such a law clearly violated the African-American's constitutional rights. Many actions considered crimes may actually have positive benefits. "Certain types of crime take on a different character. Stealing can be seen as an attempt to take away from the rich…like asocial banditry. Protest-related violence may actually be the start of proto-revolutionary movements, ultimately leading to a worker's revolt and the establishment of a just society" (Greek, 2005, Conflict Theory).

Labeling theory similarly suggests that definitions of crime are used to retain established hegemonies. "[Howard] Becker (1963) criticizes other theories of deviance for accepting the existence of deviance and by doing so, accept the values of the majority within the social group. According to Becker (1963), studying the act of the individual is unimportant because deviance is simply rule-breaking behavior that is labeled deviant by persons in positions of power. The rule breaking behavior is constant; the labeling of the behavior varies" (Greek, 2005, Labeling theory). Why is white collar crime considered less bad than stealing, for example, even if it accomplishes the same ends? And why are corporations given greater leeway in the tax code to hide their assets than ordinary tax payers -- someone who dodges his taxes is caused a cheat; a corporation which moves offshore like Apple to improve is bottom line is praised for enriching shareholders. Like conflict theory, Becker suggests that the way that crime itself is defined and the way that criminality is conceptualized is relatively arbitrary and exists to reinforce social norms that serve those in power. Becker's theory differs from conflict theory, however, in that he does not necessarily see economics as the only root of these sources of criminological definition.

Take, for example, so-called juvenile delinquency. Many crimes are considered crimes simply because they are perpetuated by young people, such as staying out late and loitering. The definition of the crime creates the criminal, since for many young people; there may be nowhere else to go but a city block to hang out after school. Labeling teens as delinquents effectively disempowers this social class and stymies the change that can be generated from young people. Another component of Becker's theory is that labeled groups, who are often searching for a place in society and an identity, may take on the negative appellation and be proud of their status as a source of self-definition. That is why many teens may actually be proud of their delinquency. Being labeled as defiant and dangerous becomes associated with the teens' sense of self. Similarly, other, adult, violent criminals may embrace such definitions.