The labeling theory believes that actions are deviant if people believe that the actions are deviant. Behaviors that are labeled deviant in one society does not have to be deviant in all societies. For example, spouse abuse in the United States is considered a stray from the norm while in Japan some think not. A survey was conducted in Japan in 2000 and 27.5% of wives said that their husband had beaten them, but did not believe that this was a crime against women. In America, most believe that those who beat their wife are doing wrong. Deviance changes in society, earlier in American history, those who beat their wives may not be seen as doing a crime against women. Those who try to change the society’s view of deviance are called moral entrepreneurs. Without moral entrepreneurs, American society would not be the
The labeling theory believes that actions are deviant if people believe that the actions are deviant. Behaviors that are labeled deviant in one society does not have to be deviant in all societies. For example, spouse abuse in the United States is considered a stray from the norm while in Japan some think not. A survey was conducted in Japan in 2000 and 27.5% of wives said that their husband had beaten them, but did not believe that this was a crime against women. In America, most believe that those who beat their wife are doing wrong. Deviance changes in society, earlier in American history, those who beat their wives may not be seen as doing a crime against women. Those who try to change the society’s view of deviance are called moral entrepreneurs. Without moral entrepreneurs, American society would not be the