Whether a behavior is considered an act of secondary deviance depends on whether it occurs before or after a person is labeled as deviant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. When a behavior occurs before a person is labeled as deviant, it is considered primary deviance. However, if the person is labeled as deviant and then continues to engage in the behavior, it is considered secondary deviance because the label becomes incorporated into the person's self-concept and may lead to further deviant behavior.

Whether a Behavior Is Considered an Act of Secondary Deviance