L

LABELING THEORY. A social theory that holds that society's reaction to certain behaviors is a major factor in defining the self as deviant. People become `deviant' because certain labels like thief, prostitute, or homosexual are attached to their behavior by criminal justice authorities and others. The resulting treatment of the individual pushes them into performing the deviant role. Also called "societal reaction" theory.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE. One of the main doctrines of capitalism that asserts that government should not interfere with commerce.

LATENT FUNCTIONS. The unintended consequences of one part of a socio-cultural system. For example, the reform of big city political machines had a lot of unintended consequences on the governability of American cities.

LAW. A written rule established by a political authority and backed by government.

LEGITIMACY. The generally held belief that a particular social institution is just and valid.

LEGITIMATION CRISIS. The lack of sufficient commitment on the part of members to a particular social institution for that organization to function effectively. Governments that lack legitimation often rely on repression to continue their rule which is very inefficient. Legitimation crisis in other institutions produce parallel responses on the part of administration.

LIBERAL DEMOCRACY. Refers to those societies based on some form of democracy coupled with capitalism.

LIFE EXPECTANCY. The number of years a newborn in a particular society can expect to live. Also refers to the number of further years which people at any given age can, on average, expect to live.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES. Often called for when treating chronic disease. Rather than curing the disease, the patient makes changes in lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, weight reduction, and alleviating stress) that help to control the disease process.

LIFE-SPAN. The maximum length of life that is biologically possible for a member of a given species.

LIMITED WAR. Warfare fought principally by a relatively small number of soldiers to reach specific and politically limited objectives.

LITERACY. The ability of individuals to read and write.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge of a local community possessed by individuals who spend long periods of their lives in them.

LONGEVITY. A long duration of life. Or, a long tenure in an organization.

LUDDITES. A term used to brand those who are against "all" modern technology. The term originally referred to British workmen (about 1811) who rioted and destroyed textile machinery in the belief that these machines were contributing to unemployment.

__________________
The kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah. He indeed is able to do all things. -Quran, Al-Imran, Surah 3:189

Somayya