The term secondary deviance can be defined as:
A violation of norms that do not result in any long-term effects on the individual’s self-image or interactions with others.
When a person’s self-concept and behavior begin to change after his or her actions are labeled as deviant by members of society.
A negative informal sanction that encourages an individual to seek more positive behavioral choices.
A positive formal sanction that causes an individual to deviate from society’s expectations.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
When a person’s self-concept and behavior begin to change after his or her actions are labeled as deviant by members of society.
Explanation:
Secondary deviance is a sociological concept introduced by Edwin Lemert, a symbolic interactionist who studied the effects of labeling on individuals. According to Lemert’s labeling theory, deviance is not simply a matter of breaking rules, but also involves the reactions of others and how those reactions can shape an individual’s identity and future actions.
Secondary deviance occurs when a person internalizes the label of “deviant” and it becomes part of their self-concept. This shift happens after the individual has been publicly labeled as deviant and begins to adopt behaviors consistent with that label. It is different from primary deviance, which involves minor violations of norms that do not affect a person’s self-concept or how others see them. For example, a teenager who shoplifts once may not see themselves as a criminal (primary deviance), but if caught and labeled as a thief, they may begin to accept and live out that role (secondary deviance).
This labeling can have long-term consequences. Once a person is marked as deviant, society may treat them differently—distrusting, avoiding, or discriminating against them. These reactions can limit the individual’s opportunities (e.g., employment, education, social relationships), potentially reinforcing deviant behavior. The individual may also seek acceptance within deviant subcultures where their identity is validated, further deepening their commitment to deviant behavior.
In essence, secondary deviance highlights the power of societal reactions and labels in shaping behavior and identity. It underscores the importance of avoiding stigmatizing labels, especially for minor offenses, because these labels can influence individuals in ways that perpetuate deviance rather than correct it. Thus, the term reflects a critical aspect of how society contributes to the development of persistent deviant identities.