Question

Shelly shoplifted once. Her peers on social media have labeled her "shoplifting Shelly," and this label follows her everywhere online and at school. She feels hopeless and shoplifts regularly now to alleviate her anxiety and because it is what everyone expects her to do anyway. Labeling theory would interpret her ongoing shoplifting as _______

Answer 1

Social stigma

Step-by-step explanation:

Different studies on Labeling theory have led to conclusions that more relevant than the act itself of doing something wrong, in this case, shopliffting, was the social perspective of it. Shelly became stigmatized by her peers, which led her to play the role she felt compeled to fulfil. This stereotyping is known as social stigma.