In sociology, a deviancy amplification spiral occurs in a society or social environment when an attempt to eradicate slightly deviant or criminal behavior, by labeling and shaming those who engage in it, ends up further marginalizing the people viewed as deviant instead. That marginalization can push the labeled group toward further deviance, intensifying social disapproval and perpetuating the cycle the original intervention was meant to stop.
Facts
Core ClaimAttempts to eradicate slightly deviant behavior by labeling and shaming it further marginalize the people viewed as deviant and cause further deviance, perpetuating the cycle. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of PhenomenonSocial or Interpersonal Phenomenon 1 Connections
In Branch
Source Deviancy amplification spiral (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Deviancy amplification spiral (Wikipedia)
Lead paragraph
In sociology, a deviancy amplification spiral occurs in societies or social environments when certain attempts to eradicate slightly deviant or criminal behavior by labeling and shaming it in a way that ultimately serves to further marginalize the people viewed as deviant, and cause them to engage in further deviance, thus intensifying social disapproval and perpetuating the cycle.
Origin of the term
The process of deviancy amplification was first described by Leslie T. Wilkins in his 1964 book, Social Deviancy, in which he argued that minor initial deviation can intensify into significant deviance if it is met with overreaction and moral panic.
In Branch: Cognitive Psychology, Categories
Wikipedia article 'Deviancy amplification spiral' is filed under Category:Cognitive biases.
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