From prison to integration: applying modified labeling theory to sex offenders

Abstract

This research examines social–psychological consequences associated with being stigmatized as a sex offender. Surveys administered to 150 sex offenders were analyzed using modified labeling theory to examine the effect of a sex offender’s perception of devaluation and/or discrimination on his ability to successfully rejoin society following conviction of a sex offense. Findings indicate that the more an offender fears being devalued and/or discriminated against, the more likely he is to avoid activities that could facilitate social reintegration, suggesting that the stigmatizing label placed on sex offenders may lead to unintended consequences.

Keywords:

• sex offender
• labeling
• stigma
• unintended consequences

Notes

aFrom the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry, summer 2006.

aCompared to less than high school.

bCompared to nonwhites.

aCompared to less than high school.

bCompared to nonwhites.

aCompared to less than high school.

bCompared to nonwhites.

1. Governor Rod Blagojevich (Rackl & Fusco, 2005).

2. Throughout this paper, the masculine pronoun will be used. This is in part as a convenience, to avoid the awkward use of ‘he/she’ or ‘his/her’, and partly because over 95% of the individuals listed on the sex offender registry are male.