to theoretical contributions, labeling theory focuses on sociological aspects of delinquency, rather than the pathological and individual aspects that many other theories focus on. It attempts to explain the creation of delinquent careers and why some adolescents continue to lead deviant lives while others can turn their live around. It separates delinquent acts from delinquent careers, recognizing that just because an individual commits one delinquent act does not mean he will go on to become a career criminal. Taking this fact into account, this theory also recognizes that delinquent acts and delinquent careers should be treated differently, since they are in fact different entities.

One of the key contributions of labeling theory to criminology is its consideration of the causes of criminal behavior. With labeling theory, a person who commits a crime or delinquent offense is labeled by peers, communities, and by those in the criminal justice system. This label leads to stigmatization that can have a profound impact on future criminality (Braithwaite & Drahos, 2002; Restivo & Lanier, 2015). Labeling is a process that begins with “status degradation ceremonies,” which involve publicly lowering a person’s social status/identity within his/her own social group, thus labeling that person as an “outsider” (Garfinkel, 1956, p. 420).

In line with this is “moral indignation,” or people’s feelings regarding how they live publicly, including feelings of shame, guilt, or boredom (Garfinkel, 1956, p. 421). Garfinkel notes that these feelings may reinforce group solidarity, likely within delinquent peer groups, as the “outsider” begins to have his or her social identity replaced by a new, “true” interpretation (Garfinkel, 1956, p. 421). These processes lead to the solidification of the negative label, resulting in social exclusion in the form of lesser education, lesser paid jobs, and less social support (Denver et al., 201