How does secondary deviance develop?

Secondary deviance develops when an individual engages in deviant behavior that is reinforced by societal reactions and labels. This concept is rooted in labeling theory, which posits that when society labels an individual as deviant due to their actions, this label can significantly influence their self-identity and future behavior. The process often involves the individual internalizing the societal label, which can lead them to commit further acts of deviance as they conform to the expectations that come with the label.

This understanding points to the importance of societal attitudes and reactions in constructing an individual's identity as a deviant. When a person is labeled, they might adopt the deviant role, leading to more entrenched patterns of behavior that align with their labeled identity. Thus, the development of secondary deviance is closely tied to the power of social labels and the meanings ascribed to them.

The other options do not capture the essence of how secondary deviance is formed. Initial criminal behavior without societal reaction does not create a deviant identity, criminal justice interventions may lead to deviance but are not the defining element of secondary deviance, and a lack of social interaction does not inherently lead to the adoption of deviant labels or identities. Therefore, the societal reaction and the resulting label are crucial in