Primary deviance is a concept that explains why some people become criminals and others do not. The concept suggests that people become criminals due to the lack of positive reinforcement or rehabilitation in their early years. It has been used to explain why some individuals turn to a life of crime after experiencing a challenging upbringing, while others may not. This article will discuss the concept of primary deviance, its implications, and the potential for rehabilitation.
The concept of primary deviance was first proposed by Edwin H. Sutherland in the 1940s and has since become a central component of criminological theory. Sutherland argued that primary deviance is the result of an individual’s upbringing and environment, and that it can be a precursor to criminal behavior. He argued that people who have experienced negative reinforcement or lack of guidance during their formative years are more likely to turn to crime as a means of coping with their negative experiences.
Primary deviance has been linked to a variety of factors, including poverty, family structure, and access to resources. It has been suggested that individuals who experience a lack of resources and/or positive reinforcement are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, as they feel that they have no other means of achieving their goals. Furthermore, it has also been speculated that individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse in their earlier years are more likely to engage in criminal activities.
The implications of primary deviance are far-reaching, as it suggests that criminal behavior can be prevented by providing individuals with positive reinforcement and guidance during their formative years. It is believed that providing individuals with the resources and support they need to lead successful lives can help reduce the likelihood of them engaging in criminal behavior. Additionally, it has been suggested that providing individuals with access to education and job opportunities can help reduce the chances of criminal behavior.
Despite its potential implications, there is still much debate surrounding the concept of primary deviance. Some argue that primary deviance can be difficult to identify and that it may be misinterpreted as other types of deviance, such as secondary deviance. Additionally, there are concerns that primary deviance can be used to justify criminal behavior, rather than focusing on the individual’s responsibility for their actions.
Despite the controversy surrounding primary deviance, there is potential for rehabilitation. It is believed that providing individuals with the resources and guidance they need to lead successful lives can help reduce the likelihood of them engaging in criminal behavior. Additionally, it has been suggested that providing individuals with access to education and job opportunities can help reduce the chances of criminal behavior.
In conclusion, primary deviance is a concept that suggests that individuals become criminals due to the lack of positive reinforcement or rehabilitation in their early years. It has been linked to a variety of factors, including poverty, family structure, and access to resources, and its implications are far-reaching. Despite the controversy surrounding primary deviance, there is potential for rehabilitation, and providing individuals with the resources and guidance they need to lead successful lives can help reduce the likelihood of them engaging in criminal behavior.
References
Sutherland, E. H. (1947). Principles of criminology (5th ed.). Philidelphia, PA: J. B. Lippincott.
Loeber, R., Farrington, D. P., & Stouthamer-Loeber, M. (2016). Developmental and life-course criminology: Emerging trends and implications for policy and practice. European Journal of Criminology, 13(3), 267–287. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477370815617142
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