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Donald has recently been caught shoplifting at a local shop - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 10 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 10
Donald has recently been caught shoplifting at a local shop. He was taken to the local police station where he was given a warning. His parents had to go to the poli... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Donald has recently been caught shoplifting at a local shop - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 10 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: According to labelling theory a behaviour is only deviant if society says it is deviant.
Answer
Labelling theory proposes that a behaviour is considered deviant only when society labels it as such. In Donald's case, shoplifting is seen as deviant due to the action of the authorities, establishing the framework through which he is essentially defined. When individuals like Donald engage in deviant behaviours and are subsequently labelled by societal institutions, they become a part of a systematic response that reinforces their deviant identity.
Step 2
AO2: Donald's shoplifting has been labelled as deviant as he has been taken to a police station and given a warning.
Answer
Donald’s shoplifting incident has led the local police to intervene, turning an isolated act into a public matter. This serves both as a warning and as a mark on his record. Local shopkeepers may become more vigilant, watching for him and viewing him as a potential thief. Such negative perceptions may influence his self-image, leading him to adopt the role of a shoplifter, as he feels societal expectations shaping how he should behave.
Step 3
AO3: Labelling theory ignores the reason for the original deviant act, so there might be other explanations for Donald's behaviour.
Answer
While labelling theory offers insights into the consequences of social labels, it fails to address the motivations behind the deviant behaviour itself. For instance, Donald may have shoplifted due to peer pressure or economic need, rather than an inherent criminal tendency. Furthermore, studies by Chambliss (1973) indicated that individuals labelled as deviant are often more likely to embody that label due to societal pressure. Hence, understanding the broader context of Donald's situation is crucial in assessing whether he might indeed reoffend.