Monster Labeling Theory

In this research paper, I will discuss how the book Monster applies to Labeling Theory. This theory show how youth accepts the negative labels society gives them and as a result the youth creates a new negative identity. It also shows how labels are a product of a series of events and do not occur over night. An individual become attached to the labels society gives until this appear to be a way for them. These labels become a form of security and protection. Labels most time takes place of their original identity. The paragraph below will talk about this theory in three parts. Section one will include definitions of original source. Section two will include examples from the book and how it ties to labeling theory. Section three will discuss
The book monster fits labeling theory due to how he received the label monster from the police and he and his fellow gang members accepted and internalized this label for him. He was given the label monster because of his demeanor and how he killed and punished those who were in his way. For example, one day Kody(monster) robbed a man and in return the man hit him in the face and tried to run, but he was tripped by Trey Ball(Kodys’ friend) and monster stomped the man for twenty minutes until he was unconscious; Kody later found out that the man went into a coma and was disfigured from this attack (Scott 1993:13). This label did not occur because of one incident but it’s a result from numerous events that took place in Kodys’ life course. Monster felt that he had to live up to this title to get respect and get approval from his fellow gang members and he wanted to receive the status of an O.G. In addition, monster became more violent in nature and he began to live up to this title. In the book, Monster came in conflict with this kid name Eric who hit him in the mouth and in return Kody went home and got his gun and fired six times hoping to have killed Eric (Scott 1993). After this event Kody served nineteen days in juvenile hall and he was released into his mothers’ custody. His reputation had grown even stronger. This label was given to Kody at an early age that the name Monster took
A pathway into delinquency stems from motivated acts that break social rules. For those who are not motivated may simply be unaware that they committed a crime. “When a normal person discovers a deviant impulse within himself, he is able to check those impulses by thinking about manifold consequences acting on it would produce for him” (Becker: 1963:27). A person that goes along with societal norms and regulation does not deter from their inner groups because they thinks rationally through every stage of their decisions. If the individual breaks the rules, there are steps that need to be considered for this to become a career path. But however, “one of the most crucial steps in the process of building a stable pattern of deviant behavior is the experience of being caught and publicly labeled as a deviant” (Becker 1963:31). Youth seeks to receive thrills, adventures, and immediate gratification when they commit delinquent acts that stem from their peer group. For some youth certain groups become family and a way of life. To some individuals these groups have people that have been in them for quit a while and they become fathers to the youth. These adult offers advice, promising awards, and a better life or living condition than at home. Youth will continue violating the law if the benefit of their actions exceeds the consequences and punishments of obeying the law. Individuals who