Howard S. Becker

Howard-S.-Becker-EHESS

Howard S. Becker
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Nationality	American
Alma mater	University of Chicago
Known for	Labeling theory, Sociology of deviance, Art worlds
Scientific career
Fields	Sociology
Institutions	Northwestern University
Doctoral advisor	Everett Hughes

Howard S. Becker (born April 18, 1928) is an American sociologist renowned for his contributions to the sociology of deviance, art worlds, and music. He is best known for his work on labeling theory and his influential book Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance.

Early Life and Education

Howard S. Becker was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Chicago, where he earned his Ph.D. in sociology under the mentorship of Everett Hughes. His early work was influenced by the Chicago School (sociology).

Academic Career

Becker began his academic career at Northwestern University, where he conducted extensive research on deviance and social norms. His seminal work, Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance, published in 1963, introduced the concept of labeling theory, which examines how the labels society assigns to individuals can influence their self-identity and behavior.

Major Contributions

Labeling Theory

Becker's labeling theory posits that deviance is not inherent in an act but is instead the result of the labels applied by society. This theory has had a profound impact on the study of deviance and criminology.

Art Worlds

In his book Art Worlds, Becker explores the collective activity involved in the production of art. He argues that art is a product of a network of individuals, including artists, critics, dealers, and audiences, who collectively contribute to the creation and appreciation of art.

Sociology of Music

Becker has also made significant contributions to the sociology of music, examining how social structures and interactions influence musical production and consumption.

Selected Works

• Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance (1963)
• Art Worlds (1982)
• Tricks of the Trade: How to Think About Your Research While You're Doing It (1998)
• Telling About Society (2007)

Awards and Honors

Becker has received numerous awards for his contributions to sociology, including recognition from the American Sociological Association.

Personal Life

Becker continues to be active in the field of sociology, contributing to academic journals and participating in conferences.

See Also

• Labeling theory
• Sociology of deviance
• Art worlds
• Chicago School (sociology)
• Everett Hughes