The concept describes behavior that results from an individual’s self-concept and subsequent actions based on society’s reaction to their primary rule-breaking. Initial acts of nonconformity, termed primary, may be fleeting and inconsequential to one’s identity. However, when societal responses label an individual as deviant, it can lead to a shift in self-perception. For instance, a teenager caught shoplifting (primary deviance) might be labeled a “thief.” If this label becomes internalized and influences future behavior, leading to repeated offenses and a solidified deviant identity, this illustrates the concept.
Understanding this process is crucial in criminology and sociology because it highlights how societal reactions can inadvertently exacerbate problematic behaviors. This perspective shifts the focus from solely examining the individual’s initial motivations for deviance to analyzing the role of social labeling and its consequences. Historically, this understanding has influenced approaches to crime and deviance, suggesting that interventions should aim to minimize the stigmatizing effects of labeling and provide opportunities for reintegration into mainstream society. Avoiding unnecessary labeling can prevent the escalation of minor infractions into persistent patterns of rule-breaking.
