Deviancy amplification spiral

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 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.

Source: Wikipedia — Deviancy amplification spiral (CC BY-SA 4.0)