Peers' Rejection as a Possible Consequence of Official Reaction to Delinquency in Chinese Society

Abstract

Drawing on labeling theory, this study examined peers' attitudinal responses to the official label of delinquency. Specifically, two questions were asked: (a) Do peers' attitudinal responses to official delinquents vary with the severity of official reaction? (b) Do peers' attitudinal responses depend on their own labeling status? Questions concerning hypothetical delinquents receiving differing levels of severity of official reaction were administered to delinquents and nondelinquents in Tianjin, China. The severity of official reaction to delinquency was significantly associated with peers' rejection of official delinquents, with this relationship being greater for nondelinquent peers' rejection than for delinquent peers' rejection. Also, peers' attitudinal rejection varied significantly with their own labeling status, but only at certain levels of severity of official reaction. The findings were generally consistent with the labeling perspective. Discussion focuses on their implications for theory and policy.