Labeling theory and social bonding in adolescent substance abuse

Criminology Theories and THEIR IMPACT on BEHAVIORS

This paper examines two criminology theories and holds them against the current social phenomena of adolescent substance abuse. The writer explores the theories and explains how they relate to the theories.

As mankind continues to study the criminal element, it continues to develop theories that can be applied to criminal behavior. Two well-known criminal theories are labeling and social bonding. In each of these theories there are markers to help explain some of the behavior patterns when it comes to adolescents and substance abuse. It is important to understand how these theories contribute to the problem, so that future attempts can be made to proactively prevent substance abuse.

Labeling Theory

There have been several studies on how the labeling theory relates to substance abuse, but before one can understand the connection, it is important that one have an understanding of the theory itself.

Labeling theory variables regarding drug use are related to increases in drug use (Harrison, 1997)."

According to those theorists who first coined the term labeling theory, it is a process by which individuals begin to view themselves as part of the social process. This process ties one's view of self to the reaction of others in society. Society is familiar with the professional labeling that is done by professionals, including social workers and therapists, however, few people are aware that labeling also occurs outside of the professional arena and is generally metered out by family and friends.

The process by which formal and informal labels are hypothesized to affect behavior over time is via the self-concept or self-label. For example, more deviant formal labels are hypothesized to result in more deviant self-labels and subsequent increases in deviant behavior over time (Harrison, 1997)."

Labeling refers to an interactive process, that occurs over a time period. Experts agree that when a person who has been labeled with negative terms and begins to provide negative behaviors, suddenly begins to be labeled with positive terms, the behavior can also reverse and become productive and positive (Harrison, 1997).

In a recent study regarding the labeling theory, adolescent participants were asked if they had received labels from professionals and asked if their families and friends had labeled them, and if so what the labels were.

The adolescent's encounters with juvenile courts, social workers and substance abuse programs were also recorded to determine if the label theory supported the participants' background and labeling.

The study concluded that being labeled with a negative label, can create negative behaviors in adolescence.

In addition, the participants did record a higher level of drug use if they had received negative labeling from professionals and personal interactions.

Labeling theory was supported in that a more deviant self-label at baseline predicted greater drug use at follow-up, direct support for the labeling concept of secondary deviance. However, the relationship between self-label and drug use was found to be reciprocal, indicating that adolescents also categorize themselves in regard to their drug use after that behavior has occurred (Harrison, 1997)."

Relating Theory to Social Issue

Relating the two criminology theories to the current social issue of adolescent substance abuse, is relatively easy to do. In each of the theories, studies have been conducted to ascertain the amount, if any, of substance abuse that the theories support. Both of the theories have relatively clear markers for how they impact the possibility of adolescent substance abuse.

The research into the labeling theory, clearly indicates that adolescents often develop their self-image by the reaction of society to their existence. If a teenager believes he is labeled as a problem, or a throw-away child, he will most likely develop poor self-esteem, and one of the consequences of that low self-esteem, may turn out to be problems with substance abuse.

If the teen believes that society favors him and labels him as a productive member of society, he is less inclined to become involved in substance abuse.

When it comes to the social bonding theory, a similar correlation can be found between the theory itself and the current social issue of adolescent substance abuse.

When an adolescent is found to have strong ties to family, religion, work and education that adolescent is statistically less inclined to become involved with substance abuse according to the studies conducted on the subject.

Conversely if an adolescent does not have a strong social bond with the above listed elements of life, that adolescent is statistically at a higher risk for developing substance abuse issues.

Influence

Each of the two theories has an influential role on societal behavior as they provide the foundation for self-image, and reaction to that self-image.

An example of how the labeling theory impacts behavior can be seen using a Boy Scout and a failing student.

If a Boy Scout is caught with a small amount of marijuana or alcohol, the reaction by most will be that it was an unexpected event and one that would not be repeated once the scout realized the error of his ways.

If a failing high school student is caught with the same amount of marijuana or alcohol, society's reaction will be stronger because that adolescent is labeled as a problem.

Adolescents experience these different treatments often and those help to guide their self-image and consequently their behaviors.

Criminology theories have a significant influence on preventing crime and reducing criminal behavior because they provide society with the knowledge of what causes a criminal element to develop. The understanding of criminal theories can help to develop future programs that will assist individuals from not engaging in criminal behaviors.

With the issue of adolescent drug abuse, the knowledge of criminology theories can provide a foundation for substance abuse prevention programs to include self-esteem building activities and family sessions to help reverse the negative labeling and promote positive labeling of the teen.