Secondary Deviance

Definition

Secondary deviance refers to the behavior that occurs after a person has been labeled as a deviant, which is often a response to the societal reaction to their initial deviant act. When someone is labeled as deviant, they may internalize that label and engage in further deviant behavior, reinforcing the identity imposed upon them. This concept highlights the cyclical nature of labeling, where societal reactions can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy in terms of criminality and social roles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary deviance is significant because it emphasizes how labels can create a cycle of deviance, where individuals are pushed further into criminal behavior by societal reactions.
2. The concept is often linked with stigmatization, as being labeled as deviant can lead individuals to isolate from non-deviant groups, reinforcing their deviant identity.
3. Once labeled, individuals may adopt the label as part of their self-concept, which can lead to persistent patterns of behavior that align with the label.
4. This form of deviance challenges the notion of individual choice by showing how social labels can dictate future actions and opportunities.
5. Secondary deviance is often observed in various contexts, including criminal justice, mental health, and other social systems where labeling plays a critical role.

Review Questions

• How does secondary deviance relate to the concept of labeling theory?
  • Secondary deviance is directly tied to labeling theory as it illustrates how being labeled as deviant can lead individuals to accept and embody that label. When society reacts negatively to an initial deviant act, the individual internalizes this label, resulting in further deviant behavior. This creates a feedback loop where societal labels influence personal identity and lead to more acts of deviance.
• In what ways can secondary deviance impact an individual's life choices and social relationships?
  • Secondary deviance can have profound effects on an individual's life choices and social relationships. Once labeled as deviant, individuals may find themselves marginalized from mainstream society, leading them to associate more with other labeled individuals. This shift can restrict opportunities for employment or education, entrenching them further into a deviant lifestyle and affecting their social interactions and support networks.
• Evaluate the implications of secondary deviance for criminal justice policy and intervention strategies.
  • The implications of secondary deviance for criminal justice policy are significant. Recognizing that labels can lead to increased criminal behavior highlights the need for interventions that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Policies could be designed to reduce stigmatization and promote reintegration into society for labeled individuals. This approach could help break the cycle of secondary deviance by fostering environments that support positive identity formation and reduce recidivism rates.

Related terms

Labeling Theory: A sociological perspective that examines how the labels applied to individuals can influence their self-identity and behavior, often leading to further deviance.

Primary Deviance: The initial act of rule-breaking or deviant behavior that does not result in the individual being labeled as a deviant or does not significantly alter their self-identity.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: A prediction or expectation that causes itself to become true due to the positive feedback between belief and behavior.