Labeling and Its Effects on the Aspirations and Morale of Children in Conflict With the Law

This study explores the impact of labeling on juvenile delinquency, and also, highlights the significant role of labeling in shaping the behavior and aspirations of juvenile delinquents. Guided by Frank Tannembaum’s labeling theory, which suggests that youths who are labeled may subsequently act as criminals or delinquents. The research aimed to identify how labeling affects juveniles’ academic and social lives and their aspirations, using a descriptive method to profile respondents based on age, gender, education, and offense. Data analysis employed frequency and percentage computations to explain profile variables, and mean calculations to determine average age. A total of 29 juveniles (26 males and 3 Females) aged 11 to 18 participated, most of whom attended high school. The majority were incarcerated for drug-related offenses. Respondents were commonly labeled with fourteen positive and eleven negative words by family, friends, and neighbors. The effects of labeling were assessed in terms of academic and social encouragements and challenges. Results indicated that positive labeling significantly boosted academic and social encouragement, while negative labeling had little effect on these areas. Additionally, the impact of labeling on morale encouragement varied with age and education level but was not influenced by the types of offense. Labels and labelers affected social life encouragement, whereas only labels impacted academic life. KEYWORDS: Labeling theory, Juveniles, Positive Labels, Morale, Encouragement, and Aspirations.