What is the difference between primary deviance and secondary deviance?

Primary deviance refers to initial acts of deviance that may go unnoticed by society or have little impact on the individual’s self-identity. These acts can be minor infractions or behaviors that do not result in significant labeling or societal condemnation. Because they are often trivial or infrequent, the individual does not view themselves as deviant, and thus it does not alter their self-concept or how others perceive them.

In contrast, secondary deviance occurs when an individual internalizes the label of 'deviant' that society has assigned to them, often as a response to societal reaction or condemnation following primary deviance. This label can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual begins to act in ways that align with the deviant label due to the stigma and social ostracism they face.

Understanding the difference between the two types of deviance is vital in sociology, as it highlights how societal reactions and labeling can significantly influence an individual's behavior and identity.