Hidden Deviance and the Labelling Approach: The Case for Drinking and Driving

In this study we attempt to explain the over-representation of certain social categories—such as blacks or lower-class males—in official conviction statistics for drinking-driving. Two alternative perspectives are examined. The first, or “impartial” model, suggests that the probability of conviction is determined primarily by the degree and/or frequency of deviance. According to the second, or “labelling” model, this probability is at least partly independent of degree or frequency. In general, our findings are consistent with the latter model, although some support is also given to the “impartial” model as well.