How might the label of deviance act as a self-fulfilling prophecy?
I don't understand this question...what do they mean by self-fulfilling prophecy?
A self-fulfilling prophecy is one in which a person makes a statement about himself and that statement then becomes true.
For instance, a person who believes he is stupid, may then show stupid behaviors. In your example, if a person is told that he's crazy, then he may begin to act in a crazy manner.
http://members.fortunecity.com/nadabs/prophecy.html
thank you
You're welcome.
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a concept in which a belief or expectation about a particular situation or individual can lead to behaviors or outcomes that confirm or fulfill that belief or expectation. In other words, when someone believes something will happen, they might unconsciously or consciously act in ways that actually make it more likely to happen.
In the context of the question, when someone is labeled as a deviant or deviant behavior is attributed to them, it can shape their self-perception and affect their behavior. If individuals internalize the deviant label and start identifying themselves as deviant, they may start exhibiting behaviors that align with that label. This can happen due to various reasons:
1. Social Rejection: When individuals are labeled as deviant, they may face social rejection and exclusion from mainstream society. This can lead them to associate more with others who are labeled as deviant, reinforcing the deviant identity and increasing the likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors.
2. Loss of Positive Expectations: If individuals are labeled as deviant, they may start to internalize those negative expectations placed upon them. This loss of positive expectations from others can lead to a lack of motivation to conform to social norms, and they may engage in behavior that aligns with the deviant label they have been given.
3. Labeling Effects: The labeling process itself can impact an individual's behavior. Once someone is labeled as deviant, they may face stigmatization and discrimination from others, which can lead to a lack of opportunities for employment, education, or social support. As a result, individuals might find themselves in environments or social networks that further reinforce deviant behavior.
Overall, the label of deviance can act as a self-fulfilling prophecy because it can shape an individual's self-concept and influence their behavior. The more individuals believe and internalize the deviant label, the more likely they are to engage in actions that confirm their deviant identity.