Labelling: a vehicle for conveying and fulfilling self-prophesy and low esteem amongst post primary students in metropolitan Benin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the arguments for and against labelling of post-primary students in Benin metropolis. The study utilized the labelling theory in its explanation of the subject. The design was exploratory and involved the use of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A total of six hundred and eighty eight (688) respondents were administered on respondents in public and private secondary schools in Benin metropolis while 32 in-depth interviews were purposively conducted amongst students. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data collected was undertaken using frequency distribution while manual content analysis was used for qualitative data collected from the field work. Findings from this investigation showed that the inappropriate use of labelling is counter-productive in the achievement of students’ educational goals. Based on the findings of the study, there is the need to re-educate teachers on the best way to use label to achieve specific goals.

Keywords: Labelling; self-esteem; low expectation; self-prophesy; individualized attention