In sociologist Edwin Lemert's theory, how did he describe primary deviance in relation to a person's self concept and social reaction?

Introduction / Context:
Edwin Lemert was a sociologist who contributed to the labelling theory of deviance. In this framework, deviance is not just about the act itself but also about how society reacts and how the person sees themself. A key distinction in Lemert's work is between primary deviance and secondary deviance. Many sociology questions ask students to identify what primary deviance means, especially in relation to the individual self concept.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question focuses specifically on the term primary deviance as used by Edwin Lemert.
- Options mention criminal law, social reaction, social functions of deviance and a passing episode that does not reshape identity.
- We assume some familiarity with labelling theory but not necessarily advanced detail.
- The task is to match the description that best fits Lemert's definition.

Concept / Approach:
In Lemert's theory, primary deviance refers to small or occasional rule breaking that many people commit. These acts may attract minor negative reactions, but they do not lead the individual to adopt a deviant identity. In other words, the person still sees themself as basically normal. Secondary deviance, by contrast, occurs when repeated deviance and strong social reactions cause the individual to accept a deviant label and change their self concept. Therefore, the correct option must describe a passing episode that has little effect on identity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Lemert distinguished primary deviance from secondary deviance within labelling theory.Step 2: Remember that primary deviance involves minor acts that do not significantly change how the individual sees themself.Step 3: Compare the options and look for a description that mentions a passing episode with little effect on self concept.Step 4: Eliminate the option that talks about violating criminal law in general, because that is a definition of crime rather than primary deviance.Step 5: Eliminate the option focusing on how others respond, which is about social reaction rather than the nature of primary deviance.Step 6: Eliminate the option describing the functions of deviance for society, which reflects Durkheim's ideas, not Lemert's distinction.

Verification / Alternative check:
A useful check is to think of simple, everyday acts such as a teenager shoplifting once or breaking a minor school rule. If the behaviour stops and others do not strongly label the person, the individual likely continues to see themself as ordinary. That is primary deviance. If instead repeated rule breaking leads to a strong negative label and the person accepts a deviant identity, such as seeing themself as a criminal, that becomes secondary deviance. This example confirms that primary deviance must be described as a passing episode with little impact on self concept.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, behaviour that violates criminal law, is simply a broad definition of crime and does not capture the specific idea that primary deviance has limited impact on identity. Option B, how others respond to the behaviour, emphasises social reaction, which is an important part of labelling theory but does not define primary deviance itself. Option C, deviance affirming cultural values and promoting social unity, summarises functionalist views from Emile Durkheim and is not Lemert's definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse different sociological perspectives on deviance, mixing functionalist, conflict and labelling theories. Another common mistake is forgetting that primary and secondary deviance are about the sequence of events and the impact on identity. To avoid this, it helps to remember a short phrase: primary equals passing, secondary equals shaping identity. This phrase reminds you that the correct description must include both the idea of a passing episode and little effect on self concept.

Final Answer:
According to Edwin Lemert, primary deviance is a passing episode of deviance that has little effect on the individual self concept.