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

The concept of secondary deviance arises from the theory developed by Edwin Lemert, which distinguishes between primary and secondary deviance. Secondary deviance occurs after an individual has been labeled as deviant by society, and it is crucial to understand that this labeling can lead to new expectations being placed on that individual.

When someone is labeled as deviant, society's perception of that person changes, often leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. The individual may start to embody this deviant identity, leading them to engage in further deviant behavior that aligns with the new expectations associated with their label. Therefore, the key feature of secondary deviance is its emergence in response to societal reactions and subsequent expectations, reinforcing the deviant identity that has been imposed upon the individual.

This aligns with the idea that individuals often adjust their behavior based on how they are perceived by others, which emphasizes the impact of social labeling and the expectations that follow. Understanding this aspect helps in examining broader societal dynamics and the way labels can shape individual behavior and identity.

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