What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of delinquency?

In the context of delinquency, a self-fulfilling prophecy refers to the phenomenon where individuals, particularly juveniles, begin to exhibit behaviors that align with the expectations or labels placed on them by others. When a youth is labeled as a "delinquent" or "troublemaker," they may internalize that label and start to conform to the behavior associated with it. This response can lead to an escalation in delinquent behaviors as the individual seeks to meet the expectations set by society, peers, or authority figures.

This concept is deeply tied to theories of labeling and social identity, suggesting that the way society perceives and treats individuals can profoundly influence their self-perception and behavioral choices. Thus, the initiation of delinquent behavior in response to such labels illustrates how societal expectations can manifest in actual behavioral outcomes, reinforcing the cycle of delinquency.