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.