Secondary Deviance

Definition

Secondary deviance refers to the process by which an individual adopts deviant behavior after being labeled as deviant by society. This concept highlights how societal reactions to a person's initial deviant act can lead to further deviant behavior, as the individual internalizes the label and sees themselves through that lens. The cycle of labeling and subsequent behavior can reinforce social stigma and influence identity formation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary deviance often occurs after an individual has been publicly labeled as deviant, which can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy where the person continues to engage in deviant acts.
2. The response from family, friends, and society plays a crucial role in determining whether an individual will embrace a deviant identity following their initial act of deviance.
3. This concept is significant in understanding the perpetuation of criminal behavior, as labeled individuals may feel they have no other choice but to continue acting out in ways that fit their new identity.
4. Secondary deviance is often linked with the development of a criminal subculture, where individuals find acceptance and validation among others who share similar experiences of being labeled.
5. Policies aimed at reducing recidivism often take secondary deviance into account by focusing on reintegration strategies that avoid labeling and stigmatizing individuals.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of secondary deviance illustrate the relationship between societal labeling and individual identity?
  • Secondary deviance illustrates that when society labels an individual as deviant, it can lead to changes in how that person views themselves and their actions. The label can become a part of their identity, encouraging further acts of deviance as they align their behavior with the societal expectations associated with that label. This cycle shows the powerful influence of societal reactions on personal identity and behavior.
• Discuss how primary deviance differs from secondary deviance and the implications of each for understanding social behavior.
  • Primary deviance refers to initial acts of rule-breaking that may not elicit significant social response or labeling, while secondary deviance occurs after an individual has been labeled as deviant. Understanding this distinction is crucial because primary deviance may be viewed as a one-time event or mistake, whereas secondary deviance indicates a deeper integration of the deviant label into the individual's identity. This helps explain why some individuals may persist in criminal behavior due to the internalization of societal labels.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of secondary deviance on an individual's life choices and community relationships.
  • Secondary deviance can have profound consequences on an individual's life choices, often leading them to associate more with others who share similar labels, thus reinforcing their deviant identity. This may limit their opportunities for rehabilitation or reintegration into mainstream society, as they might be stigmatized and ostracized by community members. Furthermore, the cycle of secondary deviance can perpetuate criminality, making it challenging for individuals to escape from patterns of behavior that are shaped by societal perceptions and expectations.

Related terms

Labeling Theory: A theory that suggests that the labels society assigns to individuals can significantly influence their self-identity and behavior.

Primary Deviance: Initial acts of rule-breaking or deviance that do not result in a label or significant societal reaction, often viewed as minor or inconsequential.

Stigmatization: The process by which individuals are marked as different and treated negatively based on perceived deviant behavior, leading to social exclusion.