Labeling Theory emphasizes the significance of the processes through which people are characterized by others and how this may impact their evaluation of themselves. This study examines judgments concerning deviant individuals from three discrete groups: university students, church members, and previously incarcerated individuals, all of whom are residents of a North Philadelphia neighborhood (N=23). A 20-question online survey was implemented to measure attitudes toward deviant individuals, likelihood of recidivism, and impact on employment opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals. Based on the current literature, we hypothesized that each subsample would respond differently to the presence and nature of a label indicating a criminal history. The results of the survey indicated students respond positively to individuals with criminal histories, church members had the lowest expectations of recidivism, and previously incarcerated individuals believed the presence of a label would meaningfully limit opportunities of employment. Overall, these data emphasize the impact of a deviant label and questions the relationship between diverse criminal backgrounds and formerly incarcerated individuals’ expectations of employment.
