How does societal reaction contribute to the development of stigma surrounding deviant behavior in a community?

Societal reaction plays a big role in creating stigma around deviant behavior, which means actions that go against social norms. When people in a community see someone behaving differently, they often react negatively, labeling that person as bad or strange. This reaction can lead to the individual being treated poorly, which reinforces the idea that their behavior is unacceptable. For example, if a teenager is caught shoplifting, the community might gossip and avoid them, making it harder for the teen to change their ways. Over time, these reactions create a cycle where the stigma grows, and the person feels more isolated, making it even harder for them to fit in or seek help.