What does self-labeling refer to?

Self-labeling refers to the acceptance of a negative label as one's identity. This concept is rooted in labeling theory, which suggests that when individuals are assigned certain labels by society—particularly negative ones—their self-perception and behavior may shift to align with those labels. For example, if a juvenile is labeled a delinquent, they may begin to internalize that label and act in ways that reinforce it, leading to a cycle of delinquency and further societal marginalization.

This process explains how individuals can come to identify with negative societal labels, impacting their self-esteem and future choices. In this context, self-labeling can lead to a transformative process where the person begins to see themselves through the eyes of society rather than focusing on their own individual identity or potential. Therefore, understanding self-labeling is significant in discussions about juvenile delinquency, as it sheds light on how societal perceptions can profoundly shape a young person's life trajectory.