Despite the belief that our society is willing to give ex-felons a second chance, Patrick—fresh out of prison from a two-year stint for a nonviolent drug offense—has had no success finding a job or a place to stay. Once potential employers or landlords learn about his criminal past, they are not willing to look beyond that and see that he is trying to turn his life around.

A sociologist would consider his felony conviction to be which of the following?

A. Label
B. Stigma
C. Retribution
D. Incapacitation

Labeling theory explains how being labeled an ex-felon affects opportunities for individuals like Patrick, potentially leading to a cycle of reoffending.

Explanation:

Labeling theory would explain Patrick's struggles as due to being labeled as an ex-felon, which impacts his opportunities for jobs and housing. When society assigns a master status based on his criminal past, it can overshadow his efforts to reintegrate into society, leading to a cycle of reoffending and reincarceration as seen in high recidivism rates.

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