Can Labeling Theory Be Saved?*,1

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Abstract
Despite numerous criticisms during the last decade, labeling theory has maintained pre‐eminence among theories of deviance. The critiques of the positivists, neo‐Marxists, and phenomenologists are reviewed along with their respective prescriptions for the development of a more satisfactory theory of deviance. While the changes advocated by the first two groups are rejected on logical and empirical grounds, some of the suggestions of the phenomenologists are viewed as necessary corrections to labeling theory. Recommendations are made that call for 1) consideration of ‘categorical’, ‘contextual’, and ‘potential’ labeling, 2) application and development of the labeling perspective in substantive areas other than deviance, and 3) construction of explicit and defensible ethical positions for persons involved in labeling studies.