According to labeling theory, how does society create deviance?

Labeling theory posits that society plays a significant role in the creation of deviance through the process of labeling individuals, particularly by social control agencies. When a person, often a youth, is labeled as delinquent by institutions such as the police, schools, or the judicial system, this label can affect their self-identity and social interactions. Being labeled often leads individuals to internalize this label, which can result in further delinquent behavior, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Social control agencies, such as law enforcement and educational institutions, apply these labels based on behaviors that society deems unacceptable. Once labeled, individuals may find themselves marginalized or stigmatized, which can lead them to adopt the deviant identity assigned to them. Thus, the process through which society labels individuals is central to understanding how deviance is created and perpetuated, aligning with the key tenets of labeling theory.