Tannenbaum Theory of Labeling: Impact Among Juvenile Inmates

Abstract

Frank Tannenbaum, the “Grandfather of Labelling Theory” suggests that a youth who succumbs to a label may proceed to act as a “criminal” or act as a “delinquent,” abandoning social norms because he or she believes that he or she is a bad person and that this is what bad people are supposed to do. The study aimed at identifying the impact of labelling to juvenile inmates based on Tannenbaum’s theory. It has used descriptive-comparative-correlational approaches in determining the relationships for the effects of labelling along inmates’ classifications. Frequency, percentage and mean computations were used to discuss the respondents’ demographics; the labels and the labellers; and respondents’ encouragements in their academic life and social life – which were regarded as the impact of labelling as discussed in Tannenbaum’s theory; and being rated as “STRONGLY AGREE” and “DISAGREE” for positive and negative determinants respectively. Both labels and labellers were significantly differentiated and correlated with the effects of the labelling. Age, ethnicity and educational attainment of the juvenile-inmates showed differences and correlations with the inmates’ perceptions. While impact of labelling, as to academic and social life were significantly interrelated.

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Author Information
Nick Infante Rojas, PLT College, Inc., Philippines
John Bel K. Galumba, PLT College, Inc., Philippines
Chington P. Pinhikan, PLT College, Inc., Philippines
Dennis Ervin E. Thiam, PLT Colege, Inc., Philippines