Secondary deviance refers to the process by which an individual or group is labeled as deviant by society, and as a result, adopts a deviant identity. Unlike primary deviance, which is the initial act or behavior that is deemed deviant, secondary deviance occurs after the individual or group has been labeled as deviant. It involves the internalization of the deviant identity and often leads to further acts of deviance.
Examples of secondary deviance can include a person who is arrested for a minor offense and then starts associating with other criminals and engaging in more serious criminal activities. Another example could be a student who is labeled as a troublemaker by their teachers and peers, leading them to act out more and become more rebellious in response to the label.
In summary, secondary deviance is the process by which someone embraces a deviant identity after being labeled as deviant by society, leading to further acts of deviance.
Key Takeaways
- Secondary deviance occurs when individuals engage in repeated deviant behavior influenced by societal reactions and labels.
- It involves the internalization of a deviant identity and its incorporation into an individual's self-concept.
- Secondary deviance can lead to an escalation of deviant behavior and social isolation.
- Understanding secondary deviance is crucial for addressing the complex dynamics between individuals and society.
- Creating inclusive and supportive environments can help mitigate the negative consequences of deviant behavior.
Definition
Secondary deviance is a sociological concept that refers to the process in which an individual adopts deviant behavior as a result of societal reactions to their primary deviance. It occurs when a person internalizes the negative labels and stigmas imposed on them by society, leading them to further engage in deviant behavior.
Unlike primary deviance, which refers to the initial act of deviance, secondary deviance involves the individual embracing their deviant identity and incorporating it into their self-concept. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual's behavior reinforces the negative perceptions and expectations placed upon them.
Examples of secondary deviance can be seen in various contexts. For instance, a person who is caught shoplifting may initially view it as a one-time mistake (primary deviance). However, if they are consistently labeled as a thief and treated as such by others, they may internalize this identity and engage in more frequent acts of theft (secondary deviance).
Another example can be seen in the case of substance abuse. An individual who experiments with drugs may initially engage in occasional drug use as a form of primary deviance. However, if they are constantly stigmatized and rejected by society because of their drug use, they may develop a stronger attachment to this deviant behavior, leading to addiction and a more entrenched pattern of drug abuse (secondary deviance).
Secondary deviance occurs when an individual internalizes the negative labels and stigmas imposed on them by society, leading them to further engage in deviant behavior. this concept helps us understand how societal reactions can shape an individual's identity and perpetuate deviant behavior. by recognizing the role of secondary deviance, society can work towards providing support and opportunities for individuals to break free from the deviant cycle.
→ Understanding Anomie Theory in the Study of Deviance
Example of Secondary Deviance
Secondary deviance refers to the behaviors and actions that occur as a result of societal reactions to primary deviance. It is the process by which individuals begin to take on a deviant identity and engage in deviant behavior as a response to being labeled as deviant by society. One example of secondary deviance is the case of Lemert's Errant Schoolboy.
Lemert's Errant Schoolboy is an example of secondary deviance in which a young student who was previously labeled as a troublemaker by his teachers and peers begins to internalize this deviant identity. As a result, he starts to engage in more deviant behaviors such as skipping classes, vandalizing school property, and getting involved in fights. The negative reactions and punishments he receives from authority figures further reinforce his deviant behavior and identity.
This example highlights how the labeling and societal reactions to primary deviance can lead individuals to embrace their deviant identity and engage in further deviant actions. It shows how secondary deviance can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals conform to their labeled deviant identity and continue to engage in deviant behavior.
Secondary deviance occurs when individuals respond to societal reactions to primary deviance by embracing their deviant identity and engaging in further deviant behavior. the example of lemert's errant schoolboy illustrates how the labeling process can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of deviance. it emphasizes the importance of understanding the social processes that contribute to secondary deviance and the potential negative consequences for individuals involved.
→ Understanding Crime & deviance in Society
Implications for Criminal Policy
The concept of secondary deviance has significant implications for criminal policy. Secondary deviance refers to the deviant behaviors that individuals engage in as a result of being labeled as deviant by society. This labeling can have detrimental effects on individuals, pushing them further into a life of crime.
One implication for criminal policy is the need to address the labeling process itself. By reducing the stigmatization and labeling of individuals as deviant, we can potentially prevent the spiral into secondary deviance. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns that promote understanding and empathy towards those who have been labeled as deviant.
Another implication is the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programs for individuals who have already engaged in secondary deviance. These programs should focus on addressing the underlying issues that lead to deviant behavior and providing support and resources for individuals to reintegrate into society in a positive way.
Furthermore, criminal policy should also focus on creating opportunities for individuals to break free from the cycle of secondary deviance. This can be done through the implementation of social and economic policies that address the root causes of deviant behavior, such as poverty and lack of access to education and employment opportunities.
Criminal policy needs to recognize and address the implications of secondary deviance. by reducing labeling and stigma, providing rehabilitation and reintegration programs, and creating opportunities for individuals, we can work towards preventing and reducing the occurrence of secondary deviance.
In light of this information
Secondary deviance refers to the process in which individuals engage in repeated deviant behavior that is influenced by the reactions and labels imposed by society. It occurs when an individual internalizes their deviant identity and incorporates it into their self-concept. This can lead to a further escalation of deviant behavior and increased social isolation. Secondary deviance differs from primary deviance, which refers to the initial act of deviance.
Understanding secondary deviance is important for comprehending the complex interactions between individuals and society. By recognizing the role of labeling and societal reactions, we can work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments that reduce the negative consequences associated with deviant behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is secondary deviance?
Secondary deviance refers to the adoption of deviant behavior as a result of being exposed to it in a social environment. It can occur when an individual is influenced by the behavior of others and starts to engage in the same behavior, even if it is not part of their natural tendencies or preferences.
What are some examples of secondary deviance?
Some examples of secondary deviance include joining a gang because of peer pressure, using drugs to fit in with a group, or engaging in criminal behavior to avoid being ostracized. It can also include more subtle forms of deviance, such as conforming to social norms that may be harmful to oneself or others, like smoking or drinking to excess.
How can secondary deviance be prevented?
Preventing secondary deviance involves creating a strong social support system and encouraging positive behavior. This can be done by promoting positive role models, providing alternative activities that are healthy and constructive, and teaching individuals to think critically about the behavior of others and the pressures they may face.
Can secondary deviance be reversed?
In some cases, secondary deviance can be reversed, especially if it is caught early on. This involves breaking the cycle of influence and providing the individual with the support and resources they need to make positive changes in their life.
Is secondary deviance always negative?
While secondary deviance can have negative consequences, it can also be a positive force for change. In some cases, individuals may adopt positive behaviors from their peers, leading to personal growth and development.