Labeling theory: social constructionism, social stigma, deinstitutionalisation, george herbert mead, howard s. becker,

The sociologist Howard S. Becker introduced the above theories. Becker is a well-known theorist in the sociological domains of Crime and Deviance, and the sociology of Art and Music. His most cited theory is the labeling theory. The labeling theory states that if an individual is labelled a ‘criminal’ or ‘deviant’ by members of society, he or she is likely to engage in such behavior and become a true deviant or criminal.