Labelling and deviance amplification
Process whereby labelling and social reaction to deviance actually increase the deviant behaviour, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that amplifies the original deviance.
Real World
In the 1970s, British police crackdowns on mugging in inner cities led to more stop-and-searches of Black youths; the increased arrests were then reported as proof of a 'mugging crisis,' which justified yet more policing — a spiral Jock Young called deviance amplification.
Exam Focus
Distinguish primary from secondary deviance in your answer; examiners reward precise use of Lemert's terminology.
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