Abstract
T.J. Scheff presented his own labelling theory as to stable mental disorders. I wondered if his theory was proved by materials in Japan. I analyzed the materials as to schizophrenia. Then I concluded that his theory was not all correct.
I would like to insist on the following : A man is usually labeled as “schizophrenia”, if his mental capacity has been damaged such an extent that it can't be restored easily, and his behavior is also perceived as deviant. 2. It is formally labeled by a psychiatrist. 3. “Schizophrenia” is a medical technical term and doesn't have any negative connotation. 4. However, people have given it a lot of negative connotation. 5. Then, once a man is diagnosed as “schizophrenia”, he is treated disadvantageously every time it leaks out. For example he and his siblings find it difficult to join in marriage, because “schizophrenia” connotes a cursed blood. He is gradually alienated from his friends, colleagues and neighbours, because it connotes a dangerous and terrible man. He is frequently deprived of his job and can't get a new job. He is inflicted not only by his mental illness, but also by the label “schizophrenia”.
The labelling theory has some advantages. Gwynn Nettler pointed out two advantages. I. It asks “society” whether it is reacting to the deviant's behavior or to its own definition of the deviance. To this question, I answered with the above 1. II. It alerts us to the possibility that official reactions to some disapproved behaviors may do more harm than good. In order to solve this problem, above all we have to analyze a process how the negative connotation of the lavel has been reproduced, because it is the main source of harm.
