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Understanding Labelling Theory in Sociology: Primary and Secondary Deviance

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Saffron

27/10/2022

Sociology

Lemert and Young: the effects of labelling

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Sociology

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Deviance and Social Control

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Deviance

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Theories of Deviance

Understanding 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 distinction between primary and secondary deviance forms the theoretical foundation
• Young's study of hippie marijuana users provides practical application of labelling theory concepts
• The theory emphasizes society's role in creating and perpetuating deviant behavior
• Critical evaluation suggests that while labeling influences deviance, individual agency remains important

...

27/10/2022

170

<h2 id="whatislabellingtheoryinsociology">What is Labelling Theory in Sociology?</h2> <p>Labelling theory, as discussed by Lemert and Young

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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.

<h2 id="whatislabellingtheoryinsociology">What is Labelling Theory in Sociology?</h2> <p>Labelling theory, as discussed by Lemert and Young

View

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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Subjects

/

Sociology

/

Deviance and Social Control

/

Deviance

/

Theories of Deviance

Understanding Labelling Theory in Sociology: Primary and Secondary Deviance

user profile picture

Saffron

@saffron

·

3,917 Followers

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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 distinction between primary and secondary deviance forms the theoretical foundation
• Young's study of hippie marijuana users provides practical application of labelling theory concepts
• The theory emphasizes society's role in creating and perpetuating deviant behavior
• Critical evaluation suggests that while labeling influences deviance, individual agency remains important

...

27/10/2022

170

 

12/13

 

Sociology

15

<h2 id="whatislabellingtheoryinsociology">What is Labelling Theory in Sociology?</h2> <p>Labelling theory, as discussed by Lemert and Young

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Join milions of students

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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.

<h2 id="whatislabellingtheoryinsociology">What is Labelling Theory in Sociology?</h2> <p>Labelling theory, as discussed by Lemert and Young

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

<h2 id="whatislabellingtheoryinsociology">What is Labelling Theory in Sociology?</h2> <p>Labelling theory, as discussed by Lemert and Young

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.