Question

His friends begin to criticize this individual as a "boozer," pushing him out of their social circle. The individual begins to drink even more, becomes bitter, and joins a new group of friends who are all heavy drinkers. According to Edwin Lemert, this situation illustrates:

Answer 1

The situation described is an example of secondary deviance according to Edwin Lemert, illustrating how labeling and subsequent social reactions can lead to further deviant behavior and darker social associations.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Edwin Lemert, the situation in which an individual who is criticized by friends as a "boozer" and subsequently becomes bitter and joins a group of heavy drinkers is an example of secondary deviance. Lemert's concept of secondary deviance is part of his labeling theory, which asserts that individuals become deviant not just because of their actions but also because of the reactions of others to those actions. Being pushed out of a social circle can lead to further deviance; the person's identity and behavior are transformed as they adopt and fulfill the label of a deviant, in this instance, an alcohol abuser.