Rehabilitation or Retribution? Labeling Theory and the sex offender

Sex offenders have to register under sexual notifications laws that list their offenses online.Also,some sex offenders have had to go as far as placing signs in their front lawns,wearing global positioning system tracking devices,or have even had to displace to other living areas.Brian BevilleIndiana State University Cunningham Memorial LibraryLabeling Theory:This theory contains 3 main principles-the social meaning of deviance,societal reaction,and stigma.Labeling theorists often studied the lives of alcoholics,drug users,and mental patients in order to appreciate and understand those who are labeled in society.Labeling is a matter of perception:Labeling theory is also based on people's perceptions.For example,a person who has a tattoo or has several uncommon piercing may be seen as exotic and striking in some settings.Actions such as prostitution and marital relations with juveniles are accepted in several cultures today and not thought of as deviant,however in numerous other societies,these actions are viewed as being extremely atrocious and evil