Roscoe stole a Match-Box car to give to his cousin who is in the hospital. Roscoe is not caught and his cousin, who is dying from cancer, is happy for a short period of time. Why type of deviance applies in this situation?

Question

Roscoe stole a Match-Box car to give to his cousin who is in the hospital.  Roscoe is not caught and his cousin, who is dying from cancer, is happy for a short period of time.  Why type of deviance applies in this situation?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Primary deviance refers to minor, often initial, acts of deviance that do not result in the individual being labeled as a deviant by society. In this case, Roscoe's act of stealing, which is not caught or publicly labeled, fits the definition of primary deviance.

Roscoe Stole a Match-Box Car to Give to His Cousin