Retrospective labeling

Examples of Retrospective labeling in the following topics:

• Sociological Theories of Deviance

  • The fourth main sociological theory of deviance is labeling theory.
  • Labeling theory refers to the idea that individuals become deviant when a deviant label is applied to them; they adopt the label by exhibiting the behaviors, actions, and attitudes associated with the label.
  • This process works because of stigma; in applying a deviant label, one attaches a stigmatized identity to the labeled individual .
  • Labeling theory allows us to understand how past behaviors of a deviant-labeled individual are reinterpreted in accordance with their label.
  • This process of recasting past actions in light of a current deviant identity is referred to as "retrospective labeling. " A clear example of retrospective labeling is seen in how the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre were recast after the incident took place.

• Theories of Deviance

  • 1) a deviant label is applied to them (e.g., loner, punk)
  • 2) they adopt the label by exhibiting the behaviors, actions, and attitudes associated with the label
  • The process of re-casting one's past actions in light of a current identity is referred to as retrospective labeling.
  • A very clear example of retrospective labeling can be seen in how the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, were re-cast after the incident took place.
  • In sum, labeling theory argues that the application of labels (role-sets) to individuals is an important element leading to deviant behavior.

• Sunk Costs

  • Sunk costs are retrospective costs that cannot be recovered, and are therefore irrelevant to future investment decisions in the project which incurs them.
  • Sunk costs are retrospective costs that have already been incurred and cannot be recovered.
  • For example the research and development of a pharmaceutical are retrospective once it is time to market the product.
  • Therefore, the costs of R&D are considered sunk once they are retrospective and irrecoverable.

• Observational studies

  • Observational studies come in two forms: prospective and retrospective studies.
  • Retrospective studies collect data after events have taken place, e.g. researchers may review past events in medical records.
  • Some data sets, such as county, may contain both prospectively- and retrospectively-collected variables.
  • Local governments prospectively collect some variables as events unfolded (e.g. retails sales) while the federal government retrospectively collected others during the 2010 census (e.g. county population counts).

• The New Feminism

  • The term "first-wave" was coined retrospectively when the term second-wave feminism was used to describe a newer feminist movement that fought social and cultural inequalities beyond basic political inequalities.
  • Despite the controversy with labeling these interconnected movements, it is clear that after women's suffrage was secured, feminists continued to fight for equality that included a wider range of issues: sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights, de facto inequalities, and official legal inequalities.

• Product Labeling

  • Labels serve to capture the attention of shoppers.
  • A label is a carrier of information about the product.
  • Labels can include:
  • For example, a law label is a legally required tag or label on new items describing the fabric and filling regulating the United States mattress, upholstery, and stuffed article industry.
  • The recycling logo, , needed to be displayed on the label.

• Labeling Theory

  • Labeling theory holds that deviance is not inherent to an act, but instead the result of the externally-imposed label of "deviant".
  • The labeling theory suggests that people are given labels based on how others view their tendencies or behaviors.
  • Labeling theory hypothesizes that the labels applied to individuals influence their behavior, particularly that the application of negative or stigmatizing labels promotes deviant behavior.
  • There are two distinctions in labeling: hard labeling and soft labeling.
  • Unlike the supporters of hard labeling, soft labeling supporters believe that mental illnesses are not socially constructed but are objective problems.

• Packaging and Labeling

  • Some packages and labels also are used for track and trace purposes.
  • A label is a carrier of information about the product.
  • Labels can include:
  • For example, a law label is a legally required tag or label on new items describing the fabric and filling regulating the United States mattress, upholstery, and stuffed article industry.
  • The recycling logo,, needed to be displayed on the label.

• The Labeling Approach

  • The label of "mentally ill" may help a person seek help, for example psychotherapy or medication.
  • Labeling theory is closely related to social-construction and symbolic-interaction analysis.
  • This process involves not only the labeling of criminally deviant behavior—behavior that does not fit socially constructed norms—but also labeling that reflects stereotyped or stigmatized behavior of the "mentally ill."
  • Labeling theory was first applied to the term "mentally ill" in 1966 when Thomas J.
  • Another issue involving labeling was the rise of HIV/AIDS cases among gay men in the 1980s.

• Problems with Packaging

  • Unfortunately, ethics play a large role in the problems with packaging and labeling.
  • Many of the ethical issues are related to the environment, labels, graphics, and safety.
  • Some marketers tend to label their products as environmentally friendly.
  • Often, products will have words such as "fat free", "low-fat", or "organic" on the labels.
  • Discuss the ethical issues that commonly arise in product packaging and labeling