Traditionally, research on deviance has focused on
people who violate social norms. In contrast, labelling
theory focuses on police, probation officers, psychiatrists,judges, teachers, employers, school officials, and other
regulators of social control. These agents, it is argued, play
a significant role in creating the deviant identity by designating
certain people (and not others) as “deviant.” An
important aspect of labelling theory is the recognition
that some individuals or groups have the power to define
labels and apply them to others. This view recalls the
conflict perspective’s emphasis on the social significance
of power.