A study of the overrepresentation of minority youth using the labeling theory as a correlational factor

Abstract

The area of investigation was to determine if minority youth perceived themselves to be labeled more frequently than non-minority youth causing an increase in minority overrepresentation in detention facilities. Primary and secondary labeling was evaluated by observing the adolescents' community environment, and criminal justice experiences. This was a pilot study that consisted of 30 juvenile delinquents from various ethnic backgrounds. The juveniles had been previously detained by Sedgwick County Juvenile Court. The juveniles participated in a one-time interview that lasted approximately 20 minutes. The interviewer used semantic differential techniques during the interview session. The findings suggest that minority youth perceive themselves to be labeled more often than non-minority youth. However, race did not appear to be a factor contributing to minority labeling. The writer recommends that the study be repeated using a larger sample.