How did Howard Becker's research contribute to understanding of deviance?

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Howard Becker's research contributed to the understanding of deviance in multiple ways. He emphasized the importance of deviant subcultures in the maintenance of deviant identities, highlighting how these subcultures provide support and validation for individuals who engage in deviant behavior. He also reinforced the relationship between primary and secondary deviance, demonstrating how deviance can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that leads to further deviant behavior. Finally, he showed that even drug experiences can be influenced by social conditions, revealing the role that cultural norms and social structures play in shaping patterns of drug use and abuse. Overall, Becker's work has helped to broaden our understanding of deviance beyond individual pathology or immorality, recognizing the influence of social factors in shaping deviant behavior.

How Did Howard Becker's Research Contribute to Understanding of Deviance