Answer :
Final answer:
In shoplifters' terminology, a 'snitch' refers to someone who reports criminal activity to the authorities. The label of a snitch can carry informal sanctions such as ostracization, playing into sociological theories of deviance. Formal sanctions also play a role in how authorities might leverage suspects to snitch on each other to solve crimes.
Explanation:
Siegel notes that in shoplifters' terminology, a snitch would be someone who informs authorities about criminal activities, particularly theft. A snitch is often viewed negatively by those engaged in illicit behavior, as this person betrays the trust of their peers by reporting to the authorities, which could lead to their arrest and prosecution. The concept of a snitch can be connected to various sociological theories and practices.
Taking a specific scenario such as a young person accused of stealing from their retail job, we see how labeling theory comes into play. Being labeled as a thief without concrete evidence can lead to negative consequences for the accused employee, as it impacts their reputation and social relationships. The employee would have to confront the label, perhaps by providing evidence of their innocence or explaining the discrepancies in the cash drawer.
The idea of a snitch also touches upon the concepts of formal and informal sanctions within society. Formal sanctions might include legal repercussions for shoplifting, while informal sanctions manifest in social interactions and can include the stigma associated with being labeled as a snitch. This can lead to a person being ostracized or disrespected by their community.
In a situation where the police are investigating a robbery and suspect two individuals, they might use the threat of formal sanctions to encourage one suspect to inform on their accomplice. This is playfully referred to as 'defecting' in political science, and if an individual 'cooperates' with the other suspect by not informing, they could both face charges. Using this tactic, authorities leverage the fear of punishment to extract information that could lead to the arrest of the guilty party.
