A Level Sociology OCR Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The concept that describes the initial act of rule-breaking in deviance is primary deviance. This term refers to the first instance of deviant behavior that an individual engages in, which typically does not lead to a significant social reaction or labeling from society. Primary deviance can occur without the individual being labeled as a deviant and may be seen as a temporary phase or the result of situational factors.

In understanding primary deviance, it's important to recognize that it often serves as the starting point for deviance. While the individual may break a societal norm or rule, this behavior may not yet impact their identity or status within the social structure significantly.

In contrast, secondary deviance occurs after an individual has been labeled as deviant by society, which can lead to further deviant behavior as a reaction to that label. Tertiary deviance refers to the process of redefining deviant behavior as acceptable or normal, often seen in movements that reframe societal norms. Social deviance encompasses a broader range of behaviors that violate social norms but lacks the specific focus on the initial act associated with primary deviance. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of primary deviance within the wider landscape of deviant behavior.