Our Guys and The Labeling Theory
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After reading the book "Our Guys" by, Bernard Lefkowitz it is evident that the Labeling Theory played a major part in the events that took place in Glen Ridge, New Jersey where a group of boys' gang raped a mentally retarded girl. The labeling theory suggests that youths who become delinquent and youths who are not yet delinquent are given labels that psychologically mark them and that some are not able to dispel. This theory also considers and emphasizes the social factors prevalent in influencing adolescent behavior.
Glen Ridge during this time was a small suburban town that had a population of 7,800 people. This was the second smallest populous municipality in Essex County. Like most towns it had its "cliques" and the "jocks" that were at the pinnacle of the town. Idolized by the students and a source of pride for the entire town, however the Glen ridge boys were not like most high school athletes. They were labeled as the "Jock clique" that formed at a very early age, and invaded their surroundings taking over where ever they went, whether it be school, games or around town, protected by the "boys will be boys" attitude held by the rest of the town. The boys started showing signs of disruptive behavior as early as elementary school, with a common ignorance for authority. The group was later easily passed through middle school to relieve the teachers of another year enduring the "problem" class...