Primary Deviance vs. Secondary Deviance

Attribute	Primary Deviance	Secondary Deviance
Definition	Initial act of deviance that may not have significant consequences or impact on an individual's self-identity or social status.	Deviant behavior that occurs as a result of societal reactions to primary deviance, leading to a stronger identification as a deviant and potential changes in self-identity and social status.
Frequency	Occurs less frequently compared to secondary deviance.	Occurs more frequently compared to primary deviance.
Impact	May not have a lasting impact on an individual's life or social interactions.	Can have a significant impact on an individual's life, leading to stigmatization, exclusion, and potential criminalization.
Labeling	May not result in a strong labeling or identification as a deviant.	Results in a strong labeling and identification as a deviant by society.
Reactions	Reactions from others may be minimal or non-existent.	Reactions from others can be severe, leading to social rejection, discrimination, and increased surveillance.
Self-Identity	May not significantly impact an individual's self-identity or self-perception.	Can lead to a stronger identification as a deviant, potentially altering an individual's self-identity and self-perception.
Social Status	May not result in a significant change in an individual's social status.	Can lead to a decline in social status, exclusion from certain social groups, and limited opportunities.

Introduction

Deviance is a concept that has long intrigued sociologists and criminologists alike. It refers to behavior that violates social norms and expectations. However, not all deviant behavior is the same. In fact, deviance can be categorized into two distinct types: primary deviance and secondary deviance. While both types involve deviant behavior, they differ in terms of their attributes, consequences, and impact on an individual's identity and social status.

Primary Deviance

Primary deviance refers to the initial act of deviance that an individual engages in. It is often a spontaneous or impulsive action that may not necessarily reflect the individual's true character or identity. Primary deviance is typically minor in nature and does not result in significant social consequences or labeling. It is often overlooked or dismissed by society, as it is seen as a one-time occurrence or a temporary lapse in judgment.

One key attribute of primary deviance is that it is often situational and context-dependent. It may occur due to various factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, or a desire for excitement. For example, a law-abiding citizen may engage in minor acts of vandalism during a protest, driven by the collective energy and emotions of the crowd. This act of vandalism, although deviant, does not necessarily define the individual's overall character or identity.

Another important aspect of primary deviance is that it does not lead to the individual being stigmatized or labeled as a deviant. Society tends to view primary deviance as an isolated incident or a temporary deviation from the norm. The individual is not seen as fundamentally different or morally corrupt. Consequently, primary deviance does not have a lasting impact on an individual's social status or identity.

Furthermore, primary deviance is often met with leniency or minimal punishment from authorities. This is because society recognizes that individuals may make mistakes or engage in deviant behavior without it being indicative of their overall character. The focus is more on rehabilitation and correction rather than punishment and exclusion.

In summary, primary deviance is characterized by its situational nature, minor impact, lack of labeling, and lenient response from authorities.

Secondary Deviance

Unlike primary deviance, secondary deviance refers to deviant behavior that occurs as a result of societal reactions to an individual's initial act of deviance. It is a response to the labeling and stigmatization that follows primary deviance. Secondary deviance is often more serious in nature and has long-lasting consequences for the individual's social status and identity.

One key attribute of secondary deviance is that it becomes an integral part of an individual's self-concept and identity. The individual internalizes the deviant label imposed by society and may start to view themselves as fundamentally different or morally corrupt. This self-perception can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual engages in further deviant behavior to conform to the label that has been assigned to them.

Moreover, secondary deviance often results in the individual being stigmatized and excluded from mainstream society. The deviant label becomes a master status, overshadowing other aspects of the individual's identity. This can lead to social isolation, limited opportunities, and a loss of social support networks. The individual may find themselves trapped in a deviant subculture, where deviant behavior is normalized and reinforced.

Additionally, secondary deviance is met with harsher societal reactions and punishment compared to primary deviance. Society perceives the individual as a persistent deviant who poses a threat to social order. The focus shifts from rehabilitation to punishment and exclusion. The individual may face legal consequences, such as imprisonment or probation, which further reinforces their deviant status.

In summary, secondary deviance is characterized by its integration into an individual's identity, stigmatization, exclusion, and harsh societal reactions.

Comparison

While primary and secondary deviance share the commonality of involving deviant behavior, they differ significantly in terms of their attributes and consequences. Primary deviance is situational, minor, and lacks lasting impact, while secondary deviance is integral to an individual's identity, stigmatizing, and has long-lasting consequences.

Primary deviance is often a one-time occurrence or a temporary deviation from social norms. It does not define an individual's overall character or identity. In contrast, secondary deviance becomes a central aspect of an individual's self-concept and identity, leading to further deviant behavior.

Furthermore, primary deviance is met with leniency and minimal punishment from authorities, as it is seen as a mistake or lapse in judgment. Secondary deviance, on the other hand, is met with harsher societal reactions and legal consequences, as the individual is perceived as a persistent threat to social order.

Moreover, primary deviance does not result in significant labeling or stigmatization, as society views it as an isolated incident. Secondary deviance, however, leads to the individual being stigmatized and excluded from mainstream society, with the deviant label becoming a master status.

Overall, primary and secondary deviance represent two distinct stages in the deviant behavior process, with primary deviance being a minor and temporary deviation, and secondary deviance being a more serious and long-lasting manifestation of deviant behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, primary deviance and secondary deviance are two types of deviant behavior that differ in terms of their attributes, consequences, and impact on an individual's identity and social status. Primary deviance is situational, minor, and lacks lasting impact, while secondary deviance becomes an integral part of an individual's self-concept, leading to stigmatization and exclusion. Understanding the differences between primary and secondary deviance is crucial for comprehending the complexities of deviant behavior and its societal implications.