According to social reaction theory, how do individuals enter into law-violating careers?

Social reaction theory, often associated with labeling theory, posits that the way society reacts to an individual’s behavior can significantly influence that individual's identity and subsequent choices. When individuals are labeled as delinquent or deviant due to their actions, they may internalize these labels, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. This labeling can result in ostracism, which increases the likelihood of association with others who are also labeled or who engage in similar behaviors.

As a result, the labeling process can trigger a shift in the person's self-concept, prompt them to embrace the label, and lead them into a continued pattern of deviance or a law-violating career. It illustrates the power of societal perceptions and responses in shaping individual behaviors, underscoring how negative labels can push certain individuals towards further criminal behavior rather than deterring it.

While economic hardships, peer influence, and lack of educational opportunities can play significant roles in a person's life decisions and may contribute to delinquent behavior, the core focus of social reaction theory is on the impact of societal labels and reactions, making it the most relevant factor in understanding how individuals may enter law-violating careers according to this theory.