Which theory posits that deviant behavior is socially constructed through social interactions?

Labeling theory is a sociological perspective that asserts deviant behavior is not inherent to an individual's actions but is rather constructed through social interactions and the labels that society assigns to those actions. This theory emphasizes that when individuals are labeled as "deviant," they may internalize this label and subsequently embody the behaviors associated with it. This process can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the label affects the individual's identity and interactions with others.

The foundational idea behind labeling theory is that society's reaction to an individual’s behavior plays a critical role in defining what is considered deviant. If the society designates certain behaviors as deviant and labels the individuals participating in those behaviors as deviant, these individuals might feel marginalized and may continue to engage in behaviors that align with the label assigned to them.

In contrast to labeling theory, differential association theory focuses on how individuals learn deviant behaviors through interactions with others who endorse such behaviors, suggesting that deviance is a learned behavior rather than one created by labels. Primary deviance refers to initial acts of deviance that do not result in a label; it is separate from the concept of being labeled by society. Feminism, while addressing the societal implications of gender and power, does not specifically analyze