Answer :
Answer: Secondary deviance refers to deviant behavior that occurs as a result of being labeled as deviant by society. This concept, introduced by sociologist Edwin Lemert, suggests that individuals who have been labeled as deviant may internalize this label and engage in further deviant behavior as a response to societal reactions such as stigma, discrimination, or exclusion. In essence, secondary deviance represents a continuation or escalation of deviant behavior beyond an initial act, often fueled by the social consequences of being labeled as deviant.
Explanation: Secondary deviance is a sociological concept that describes how individuals may engage in further deviant behavior as a result of societal reactions to their initial acts of deviance. Let's break it down:
1. Initial Deviance: It starts with an individual engaging in some form of deviant behavior, which may involve violating social norms, laws, or expectations. This initial act of deviance might be relatively minor or major, but it attracts attention or censure from others.
2. Labeling: Following the initial act of deviance, society often labels the individual as deviant. This labeling process can occur through formal channels such as the criminal justice system or informal social interactions where others perceive and react to the deviant behavior.
3. Social Reaction: Once labeled as deviant, the individual may experience various forms of social reaction, including stigma, discrimination, or exclusion. They may face negative sanctions such as ostracism, loss of opportunities, or even legal consequences.
4. Internalization: As a response to these societal reactions, the individual may internalize the deviant label. This means they start to see themselves as deviant or accept the deviant identity imposed upon them by society. This internalization can shape their self-concept and identity.
5. Further Deviance: Internalizing the deviant label can lead to a cycle of further deviant behavior. The individual may feel alienated from conventional society and its norms, leading them to reject or defy those norms even more. This can result in a pattern of escalating deviance known as secondary deviance.
In essence, secondary deviance represents a feedback loop where societal reactions to initial deviant behavior contribute to the continuation or amplification of deviance by reinforcing the deviant identity of the individual.
