A person shoplifts an item of clothing from a department store, is apprehended and labeled as a "thief." The person subsequently accepts the label, and continues to shoplift items from other stores on numerous occasions. This example illustrates the tertiary deviance stage of the labeling theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This example illustrates the secondary deviance stage of the labeling theory, where the individual accepts the label and continues the deviant behavior. Tertiary deviance involves redefining the deviant behavior as normal or acceptable.

A Person Shoplifts an Item of Clothing from a Department