Labelling theoryfundamentally explores how societal reactions shape deviant behavior,... Show more
Sociology219 views·Updated May 30, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Labelling Theory in Sociology: Primary and Secondary Deviance
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Lemert's Primary and Secondary Deviance
This section explores Lemert's (1951) crucial distinction between primary and secondary deviance, establishing fundamental concepts in labelling theory criminology.
Definition: Primary deviance refers to acts that occur without public labelling, while secondary deviance results from societal reaction and labelling.
Example: Fare dodging represents primary deviance as it often goes undetected and doesn't affect self-identity.
Highlight: The progression to secondary deviance can lead to a deviant career, where individuals join subcultures that reinforce their deviant identity.
Young's study of hippie marijuana users demonstrates these concepts in action:
- Initial drug use represented primary deviance
- Police persecution led to secondary deviance
- Formation of closed deviant subcultures
- Development of master status as drug users
Vocabulary: Master status refers to a label that overshadows all other aspects of an individual's identity.
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Evaluation of Labelling Theory
This page presents critical analysis of Lemert and Young's contributions to labelling theory crime and deviance.
Highlight: Social control processes, ironically, can produce the very behavior they aim to prevent.
Quote: "We can't predict if someone whose labelled will have a deviant career- they have the ability to choose to not deviate any further." - Downes and Rock (2003)
The evaluation emphasizes that while labelling can lead to deviant careers, this outcome isn't inevitable, acknowledging individual agency in responding to labels.
Criticism: A key criticism of labelling theory is its potential determinism, though theorists maintain individuals retain choice in their response to labels.
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Introduction to Labelling Effects
This page introduces the key theorists Lemert and Young and their contributions to understanding how labelling affects deviant behavior. Their work forms the cornerstone of modern labelling theory in sociology.
Definition: Labelling theory examines how society's reaction to behavior can influence whether it becomes deviant.
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Sociology219 views·Updated May 30, 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Labelling Theory in Sociology: Primary and Secondary Deviance
Labelling theory fundamentally explores how societal reactions shape deviant behavior, with key contributions from Lemert and Young demonstrating the progression from primary to secondary deviance. Their work illuminates how social labeling can create self-fulfilling prophecies and deviant careers.
• Lemert's... Show more
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Lemert's Primary and Secondary Deviance
This section explores Lemert's (1951) crucial distinction between primary and secondary deviance, establishing fundamental concepts in labelling theory criminology.
Definition: Primary deviance refers to acts that occur without public labelling, while secondary deviance results from societal reaction and labelling.
Example: Fare dodging represents primary deviance as it often goes undetected and doesn't affect self-identity.
Highlight: The progression to secondary deviance can lead to a deviant career, where individuals join subcultures that reinforce their deviant identity.
Young's study of hippie marijuana users demonstrates these concepts in action:
- Initial drug use represented primary deviance
- Police persecution led to secondary deviance
- Formation of closed deviant subcultures
- Development of master status as drug users
Vocabulary: Master status refers to a label that overshadows all other aspects of an individual's identity.
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
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Evaluation of Labelling Theory
This page presents critical analysis of Lemert and Young's contributions to labelling theory crime and deviance.
Highlight: Social control processes, ironically, can produce the very behavior they aim to prevent.
Quote: "We can't predict if someone whose labelled will have a deviant career- they have the ability to choose to not deviate any further." - Downes and Rock (2003)
The evaluation emphasizes that while labelling can lead to deviant careers, this outcome isn't inevitable, acknowledging individual agency in responding to labels.
Criticism: A key criticism of labelling theory is its potential determinism, though theorists maintain individuals retain choice in their response to labels.
3
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Introduction to Labelling Effects
This page introduces the key theorists Lemert and Young and their contributions to understanding how labelling affects deviant behavior. Their work forms the cornerstone of modern labelling theory in sociology.
Definition: Labelling theory examines how society's reaction to behavior can influence whether it becomes deviant.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Deviance and Social Control
9Most popular content in Sociology
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user