Lemert — primary and secondary deviance
Edwin Lemert distinguished primary deviance (isolated deviant acts) from secondary deviance (deviance in response to social reaction and labelling, creating deviant identity).
Real World
A teenager caught shoplifting once (primary deviance) may face expulsion and a criminal record; subsequently treated as a criminal by teachers and employers, they may embrace that identity and reoffend — moving into secondary deviance.
Exam Focus
Clearly define both terms before applying them; examiners deduct AO1 marks when primary and secondary deviance are confused or merged.
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