Labeling theory in criminal sociology and the place of state in labeling

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the importance of the state in labeling and the reasons and consequences of labeling, based on the labeling theory in crime sociology. Mixed male and female individual groups were determined in order to examine how labeling in state institutions affects society, the sample group consists of 70 employees (53 police and 17 teachers) working in different state institutions, 11 criminals detained for committing crimes, 14 hospitalized patients and 5 individuals who worship in the mosque. The data obtained using participant observation and in-depth interview technique were analyzed and resolved. How people working in state institutions label individuals who commit crimes, the difficulties experienced by the individuals who are labeled, and the damages of this labeling on the society are examined. The findings obtained in this study showed that individuals working in state institutions label and exclude each other in a hierarchical manner as well as labeling individuals who commit crimes. In addition, it has been determined that the most important reasons for labeling are "characteristics of the individual" and "the contradiction of some rules of the living environment to the social state of the individual". Keywords: Crime, Labeling Theory, State, Individual, Society