Question: A teenager is caught spray-painting graffiti. In one neighborhood, the teen is labeled a criminal and closely monitored by police. In another neighborhood, the same behavior is described as creative expression and the teen is encouraged to join a community art program. Which sociological theory best explains why the same act can lead to different outcomes? Need Assignment Help? Functionalism, because deviance always strengthens social order. Conflict theory, because economic inequality determines all behavior. Cultural relativism, because graffiti has different meanings in different cultures. Labeling theory, because deviance depends on how others interpret and respond to behavior.