In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Landscape of Relationships. Dr. Edward Angelini-Cooke returns after a brief hiatus to discuss the labels we use and ascribe to our lives and relationships. From identifying where we belong to reclaiming some labels, listen as the cubs break down the theories of labels and some of the positive and negative views associated with them.

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Landscape of Relationships: Relationships with Labels

In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Landscape of Relationships. Dr. Edward Angelini-Cooke returns for a discussion about the labels we use and ascribe in our relationships.

• Labels are an abstract concept used to group people together based on a perceived set of identifiers or information.  
• We see labels in our description of our identities (e.g.  gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality).  They can also describe our relationship to something or something (e.g. brother, sister, Catholic, Liberal, Conservative). 
• In my field, I see labeling related to medical and mental health diagnoses (e.g. anxiety, depression, autism, cancer, heart disease, HIV).  
• These labels might be viewed positively or negatively or some other reaction, like fear or anger (e.g. addict).
• Common labeling theories 
  • Social Identity Theory (Tajfel and Turner, 1979) Our sense of self is determined by our membership to social groups.  And our connection to groups is important to our self-esteem and pride.  
  • Labeling Theory (Howard Becker, 1963) discusses how others label us can determine how we see ourselves and how we behave (e.g. fun, trustworthy, thief, depressed, difficult)
• Labels can be limiting and do not fully capture the complex, diversity, and wholeness of humanity.  This can then reinforce stereotypes and discrimination.  

“In and Of Itself” (Derek DelGaudio, 2020)

• NPR Review 
• Hulu

“You are a stained glass window” – Dr. EAC

“Hold your labels lightly” – Russ Harris

“The label on the jam jar is not the jam” – Russ Harris