The labelling approach explains delinquency using the interactions between the delinquent and those that define delinquency. Unlike earlier theories, he does not ask for the reasons why someone becomes criminal (etiology), but looks at those processes at the macro level that lead to the criminalisation of certain actions. At the
labelling approach
Labelling – primary and secondary deviance (Lemert)
Edwin M. Lemert distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance. An individual first commits primary deviance. Through a process of labelling the individual is forced to play the role of deviant. As a reaction to this role assignment (“You are criminal!”), the labelled person adapts his behaviour according to the role