Primary vs Secondary Deviance (Explained)

Welcome to our article on primary and secondary deviance, two essential concepts in deviance theories. In this piece, we will explore the key ideas behind primary and secondary deviance, their relationship with labeling theory, and their role in the social construction of deviance.

Deviance theories offer valuable insights into the societal reactions to deviant behavior. By understanding the distinction between primary and secondary deviance, we can better grasp the impact of labeling and stigmatization on individuals.

Labeling theory, rooted in the symbolic meanings of health and illness, suggests that deviance is not an inherent quality of behavior but rather a result of social groups creating rules that define certain behaviors as deviant. Primary deviance refers to acts that occur before public labeling, with minimal consequences for a person’s status and self-identity. Secondary deviance, on the other hand, happens after a person has been labeled as deviant, leading to significant changes in self-regard and social roles.

Throughout this article, we will delve into the specifics of primary and secondary deviance, discussing their characteristics, societal reactions, and the development of a deviant identity or career. We will also explore the impact of labelling and stigmatization on individuals and their integration into mainstream society.

Key Takeaways:

• Primary and secondary deviance are key concepts in deviance theories.
• Labelling theory emphasizes the role of societal reaction and the symbolic meanings of deviance.
• Primary deviance occurs before public labeling, with marginal implications for a person’s status and self-identity.
• Secondary deviance happens after labeling, involving changes in self-regard and social roles.
• The process of labeling and stigmatization reinforces deviant identity and perpetuates deviant behavior.

Labelling Theory and Deviance

Labelling theory, derived from the interactionist sociological perspective, emphasizes the significance of symbolic meanings in defining deviance. According to Becker’s work on the social basis of deviance, social groups play a crucial role in creating deviance by establishing rules that define certain behaviors as deviant. It suggests that deviance is not an inherent quality of the behavior itself, but rather a result of the interaction between the person committing the act and the societal response to it.

“Deviance is not a property inherently residing in any particular kind of behavior; it is a property conferred upon it by social audiences.” – Howard S. Becker

Labelling theory focuses on the societal reaction to deviant behavior rather than the behavior itself. It highlights the importance of understanding the symbolic meanings attached to deviance and the impact of these labels on individuals. By examining how society labels and reacts to deviant behavior, labelling theory provides valuable insights into the complexities of deviant behavior and the social construction of deviance.

Labelling theory challenges the notion that deviance is solely determined by the nature of the behavior. It shifts the focus to the societal reaction, highlighting how labeling and stigmatization can shape an individual’s self-identity and social interactions. This perspective sheds light on the various factors that contribute to the perpetuation of deviant behavior and provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics between individuals and society.

Table: Key Concepts of Labelling Theory

Primary and Secondary Deviance Defined

Lemert expanded on Becker’s insights by distinguishing between primary and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to deviant acts that occur before an individual is publicly labelled as deviant. These acts have little impact on the person’s self-identity and social roles. Secondary deviance, on the other hand, occurs after a person has been labelled as deviant and involves significant changes in their self-regard and social roles. This process is driven by the societal reaction to the person’s deviant behavior and the fulfillment of the label as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Primary deviance represents the initial act of deviance, while secondary deviance involves the person’s response to the negative societal reaction and the development of a deviant identity or career.

The Distinction Between Primary and Secondary Deviance

To better understand primary and secondary deviance, it is essential to examine their defining characteristics. Primary deviance refers to the initial acts of deviance that occur before an individual is officially labelled as deviant by society. These acts may be relatively minor and have limited consequences for the person’s self-identity and social roles. They are often overlooked or mildly corrected by authority figures.

Secondary deviance, on the other hand, occurs after an individual has been labelled as deviant. It involves changes in the person’s self-regard and social roles, as well as the adoption of a deviant identity. The negative societal reactions and stigmatization that follow the labelling process contribute to the reinforcement of the deviant identity and the perpetuation of further deviant behavior. Secondary deviance represents a significant shift in the individual’s life and may involve more serious acts of deviance.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Secondary Deviance

A key aspect of secondary deviance is the self-fulfilling prophecy. Once an individual has been labelled as deviant, they may internalize this label and start to conform to society’s expectations of deviant behavior. The negative reactions and stigmatization they face reinforce their deviant identity and may push them further into deviant activities. In this way, the label becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, shaping the individual’s behavior and perpetuating the cycle of secondary deviance.

Examples of Primary Deviance

Primary deviance refers to deviant acts that occur before an individual is publicly labelled as deviant. These acts often have minimal consequences and may go unnoticed or receive mild corrections from authority figures. Here are some examples of primary deviance:

• Teenagers smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol with friends, which goes against social norms but is often overlooked by parents or authority figures.
• Minor acts of shoplifting, such as taking small items from stores without getting caught or facing legal consequences.
• Engaging in occasional recreational drug use, experimenting with substances like marijuana or party drugs without developing a dependency.
• Breaking minor traffic laws, such as exceeding the speed limit or rolling through a stop sign, without causing accidents or harm to others.

These examples illustrate how primary deviance involves deviant acts that are commonly perceived as less serious or harmful. The lack of significant societal reaction reinforces the notion that primary deviance has limited implications for a person’s self-identity and social roles.

Table: Examples of Primary Deviance

“The examples of primary deviance show that individuals may engage in minor rule-breaking behaviors without facing significant societal consequences. These acts often do not affect a person’s status or self-identity, highlighting the limited implications of primary deviance.”

It’s important to note that primary deviance does not represent a person’s entire deviant behavior profile. Instead, it refers to the initial acts of deviance that may occur sporadically or in specific contexts. Understanding the examples of primary deviance helps shed light on the nuanced nature of deviant behavior and the varying societal reactions to different forms of deviance.

Examples of Secondary Deviance

Secondary deviance is a significant aspect of deviant behavior, characterized by the individual’s response to negative societal reactions and the development of a deviant identity. It involves a shift in the person’s self-regard and social roles, as they internalize the deviant label and adopt deviant behaviors as part of their identity.

Here are some examples of secondary deviance:

• A person who has been labelled as a drug addict may continue to engage in drug use and become involved in illegal activities to support their addiction, such as theft or drug trafficking.
• An individual who has been labelled as a repeat offender may feel trapped in a cycle of criminal behavior due to limited opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
• A person who has been labelled as mentally ill may face stigmatization and discrimination, leading to their withdrawal from social interactions and the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms.

The negative societal reactions and stigmatization that accompany the labelling process contribute to the reinforcement of the deviant identity and the perpetuation of secondary deviance. These examples highlight the complex interplay between societal reactions, individual responses, and the formation of deviant identities.

The Impact of Labelling and Stigmatization

The process of labelling and stigmatization has a profound impact on individuals who have been labelled as deviant. Once a person is publicly labelled, they often face negative societal reactions that can have lasting consequences. These reactions include exclusion, discrimination, and limited opportunities, which can significantly impact the individual’s self-image, social interactions, and integration into mainstream society.

Labelling and stigmatization reinforce the deviant identity and push individuals towards further deviant behavior. This aligns with social control theory, which suggests that the responses and sanctions imposed by society shape individuals’ behavior and adherence to social norms. When society stigmatizes someone as deviant, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; the person internalizes the label and may continue engaging in deviant acts as a result.

“Being labelled as deviant can be a life-altering experience. Society’s reactions can cause individuals to feel marginalized, isolated, and rejected. These negative experiences can have a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being.”

Therefore, it is essential to understand the detrimental effects of labelling and stigmatization and work towards creating inclusive and supportive environments. By challenging societal norms that contribute to the stigmatization of deviant individuals, we can help reduce the perpetuation of deviant behavior and promote understanding and acceptance in our communities.

Table: Impact of Labelling and Stigmatization

Recognizing the far-reaching consequences of labelling and stigmatization is essential for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. By providing support, understanding, and opportunities for rehabilitation, we can help individuals break free from the cycle of deviant behavior and reintegrate into society as productive and valued members.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a thorough understanding of primary and secondary deviance is essential for comprehending the societal reactions to deviant behavior. In the realm of deviance theories, labeling theory stands out by emphasizing the symbolic meanings attached to deviance and the impact of societal reactions on individuals.

Primary deviance refers to initial acts of deviance that have limited consequences on a person’s self-identity and social roles. On the other hand, secondary deviance involves the development of a deviant identity and significant changes in self-regard and social roles after being labeled as deviant.

The labeling and stigmatization processes play a crucial role in perpetuating secondary deviance. The negative societal reactions, such as exclusion, discrimination, and limited opportunities, reinforce the deviant identity and push individuals towards further deviant behavior.

By exploring the distinctions between primary and secondary deviance, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of deviance theories and the social construction of deviance. It is evident that societal reactions, in alignment with labeling theory, have a profound impact on individuals and contribute to the perpetuation of deviant behavior.