ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author begins his comparative analysis of the two ideal-labeling systems by confronting traditional sociological theories, which he argues are grounded in a mono ideal-labeling and ego-centered conception of man, with questions following from the social-contraction perspective, which is embedded, as he contends, in a multiple ideal-labeling alter-centered social conception. It is with a structural-functional labeling model in mind that he examines the impact of positive ideal labels on deviance and considers the alter-centered contraction theory in relation to other sociological theories of social relations. In others words, he asks not only whether a particular social theory explains how functional survival of a global social system is possible, but how its ideal-labeling system minimizes or maximizes differential conditions precipitating social gaps, alienation, and deviance within its various segments. An ideal label stands for a set of desirable or nondesirable behavioral systems. It differs from the term "role model" in that ideal labels do not refer to concrete people.
