What may increase the stigma experienced by individuals who deviate from societal norms?

The concept of secondary deviance refers to the process by which an individual adopts a deviant identity after being labeled as such by society. When someone engages in behavior that deviates from societal norms, they may initially experience primary deviance, which is the initial act of rule-breaking. However, if a person is labeled as deviant, this can lead to social rejection and further criminal behavior, which is categorized as secondary deviance.

This label can increase stigma because society begins to associate the individual with their deviant behavior rather than viewing them as a whole person. The consequences of this label may lead to isolation, discrimination, and increased difficulty in reintegrating into society, thus perpetuating a cycle of deviance and societal exclusion. The labeling process reinforces negative stereotypes and social stigma that individuals face, making it challenging for them to return to conforming behaviors and be accepted back into their communities.

In contrast, the other concepts—primary deviance, gender inequality, and deviance of the powerful—do not directly address how social labeling can lead to increased stigma in the same way secondary deviance does. Secondary deviance specifically highlights the implications of societal reaction and the internalization of a deviant identity, contributing significantly to the stigma experienced by individuals