Which statement is true about primary versus secondary deviance?

Which statement is true about primary versus secondary deviance?

• A. Primary deviance is the actual behavior; secondary deviance is society’s reaction
• B. Primary deviance is society’s reaction; secondary deviance is the actual behavior
• C. Both terms refer to the same concept
• D. Secondary deviance refers to internal guilt only

Answer: (A)

In labeling theory, the distinction hinges on what each term refers to in the deviance process. Primary deviance is the actual rule-violating behavior itself—the initial act that may not carry a lasting identity. Secondary deviance arises after society reacts to that act by labeling the person as deviant, which can lead the individual to embrace a deviant identity and continue or escalate deviant behavior. The choice captures this distinction by framing primary deviance as the behavior and secondary deviance as the social reaction that can shape future actions. It’s worth noting that secondary deviance involves both the labeling and its impact on the person’s self-concept and trajectory, not just an external reaction. The other options mix up the directions or confuse the concepts (for example, assigning the reaction to primary, or claiming the terms refer to the same thing, or limiting secondary deviance to internal guilt).

In labeling theory, the distinction hinges on what each term refers to in the deviance process. Primary deviance is the actual rule-violating behavior itself—the initial act that may not carry a lasting identity. Secondary deviance arises after society reacts to that act by labeling the person as deviant, which can lead the individual to embrace a deviant identity and continue or escalate deviant behavior. The choice captures this distinction by framing primary deviance as the behavior and secondary deviance as the social reaction that can shape future actions. It’s worth noting that secondary deviance involves both the labeling and its impact on the person’s self-concept and trajectory, not just an external reaction. The other options mix up the directions or confuse the concepts (for example, assigning the reaction to primary, or claiming the terms refer to the same thing, or limiting secondary deviance to internal guilt).