Howard W. Becker

Howard W. Becker is a sociologist renowned for his work on understanding how social labels influence behavior. He is best known for his book "Outsiders," which explores how society labels certain groups or individuals as deviants, shaping their identities and actions. Becker’s research emphasizes that deviance is not just about specific acts but about societal reactions and definitions. His work helps explain how social contexts and perceptions can create and reinforce behaviors, highlighting the importance of understanding social processes in shaping individual actions and identities.