The Nexus between Social Stigma and Crime

Abstract

The analysis of negative effect of social stigma in management of social problems is well documented in medical sciences particularly in diseases such as mental sicknesses and HIV/AIDS. However, similar attention has not been directed on the connection between stigma and crimes committed by the offenders particularly in Kenya. Based on the news reports of crimes committed in Kenya and Labeling theory of crime, this paper explores how stigma has influenced criminal activities in the country and suggests what can be done to control such crimes.