Theorizing about the logic behind punishment can also help us draw connections to more general theories about social processes. Deterrence theory reflects the assumptions of rational choice theory, which assumes that people's behavior is shaped by practical calculations: People break the law if the benefits of doing so exceed the costs. If crime is a "rational choice" for some people, then increasing the certainty or severity of punishment for crime should shift the cost-benefit balance away from criminal behavior. Labeling theory is rooted in symbolic interactionism, which focuses on the symbolic meanings that people give to behavior (Hagan, 1994:40). Instead of assuming that some forms of behavior are deviant in and of themselves (Scull, 1988:678), symbolic interactionists would view deviance as a consequence of the application of rules.and sanctions to an "offender" (Becker, 1963:9).