Understanding Tertiary Deviance through Illustrations

Tertiary deviance is a concept in criminology that refers to the stages beyond primary and secondary deviance, where individuals deviate from societal norms due to societal reactions. Unlike primary and secondary deviance, which may involve minor rule-breaking or delinquent behavior, tertiary deviance involves a complete rejection and defiance of societal norms.

Examples of tertiary deviance can include radical social movements, cults, or extremist ideologies. These groups often challenge existing power structures and values, seeking to create alternative systems or ideologies. These individuals may feel marginalized or oppressed by society, leading them to engage in acts that are viewed as deviant by mainstream society.

Tertiary deviance can have significant societal impacts, as it challenges existing norms and may lead to social change. However, it can also lead to conflict and polarization within society, with groups engaging in criminal or harmful behavior to achieve their goals.

Overall, tertiary deviance represents a more extreme form of deviant behavior that goes beyond minor rule-breaking, involving a complete rejection of societal norms and a defiance of established power structures.

Example of Tertiary Deviance

Tertiary deviance refers to the process in which individuals or groups engage in behaviors that challenge and redefine societal norms and expectations. It occurs after secondary deviance, which is the act of breaking a specific rule or norm. Tertiary deviance takes place when individuals or groups not only engage in deviant behavior but also actively seek to normalize and justify their actions.

An example of tertiary deviance can be seen in the social movement known as civil disobedience. Civil disobedience involves intentionally breaking the law or societal norms to protest against perceived injustices. Those who practice civil disobedience aim to challenge the existing power structures and bring attention to social issues. They often argue that their actions are necessary to bring about positive change and push for social progress.

Another example of tertiary deviance is cheating. While cheating is generally considered deviant behavior, individuals who engage in tertiary deviance may try to rationalize or normalize their actions. They may argue that the pressure to succeed or the flaws in the system justify their cheating. In some cases, cheating may even be seen as a necessary means to achieve a desired outcome.

Tertiary deviance involves individuals or groups engaging in deviant behavior and actively seeking to justify or normalize their actions. social movements such as civil disobedience and acts of cheating can serve as examples of tertiary deviance. these examples demonstrate how individuals challenge societal norms and expectations, often in pursuit of social change or personal gain.

In my opinion

Tertiary deviance refers to the stage in the deviance process where individuals or groups who have been labeled as deviant embrace and normalize their deviant behavior. It is characterized by the rejection of societal norms and the creation of alternative norms within deviant subcultures. Tertiary deviance can be seen as a form of resistance against the stigmatization and marginalization of deviant individuals.

This process can lead to the formation of deviant identities and the development of deviant subcultures. Examples of tertiary deviance can be found in various contexts, such as countercultures, radical political movements, and online communities. By understanding tertiary deviance, we can gain insights into the complexities of deviant behavior and the social dynamics of marginalization and resistance.