In first grade, Scott is unfairly singled out by his teacher for bad behavior, partly because his older brothers both had behavioral problems themselves. Throughout grade school, Scott gains a reputation as a "problem" child. Scott eventually drops out of school, thinking he was born to fail anyway. Which sociological perspective best explains Scott's experience?

Labeling theory

Explanation:

The sociological perspective that best explains Scott's experience is labeling theory. Labeling theory asserts that an individuals behavior is influenced by the label used on them. For example when an individual is labeled as a gifted/intelligent child, he/she ends up becoming intelligent. In like manner, when an individual is labeled by society as a deviant, he most likely ends up as a deviant.

Scott was labeled as a problem child by his teachers because of the behaviors of his older brothers and he ended up being a problem child due to the labeling.

The sociological perspective that best explains Scott's experience is the Labeling Theory

Explanation:

The labelling theory holds that self-identity and the behavior of individuals may be influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. It is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping.

In the case of Scott, the unfair treatment he received from his teacher and the reputation he received as a problem child influenced his character and behavior prompting him to drop out of school and have a negative mindset of being a failure.

Hence the answer is Labeling Theory