The following compendium consists of seven chapters. All of these statements focus upon the theoretical developments and controversies associated with the theory of crime and/or deviance that developed in the United States in the mid-to-late twentieth century. The theories and controversies remain salient in the sociological analysis of deviance, crime, and delinquency to this day. The authors hope and believe that this compilation will be valuable to professors and students of upper-level undergraduate courses and those pursuing advanced sociological degrees and careers in sociology, as well as providing a sharper understanding of the comparative analysis of sociological theory. Their aim is to reveal that, at each stage of the development of sociological understanding and knowledge, theory matters.

Designed to appeal to today's students, the eleventh edition examines topics with relevance for today - cultural and social reactions to deviance; the growing interest in white collar and corporate crime; and the importance of the Internet and computer communications in changing views on deviance in modern life.

These readings explore the implications of deviance for both the individual and society, examining the responses of society to deviant behaviour and the reasons why certain people violate the social norm. The text probes the deviant categories; the motivations behind deviant behaviour; and the efforts of those considered deviant to shake the label.

Through a series of 45 carefully selected readings (20 new to this edition), Deviant Behavior explores the ramifications of deviance for both the individual and society, examining the responses of society to deviant behavior and the reasons why certain people violate the social norm. Overall, the text probes the establishment and maintenance of deviant categories; the motivations behind deviant behavior; the formal and informal labelling of individuals and particular segments of society as deviant; the effects of institutionalization; the efforts of those considered deviant to shake the label; and the way deviant categories and structures can be altered.

Deviant Behavior offers an engaging and wide-ranging discussion of deviant behavior, beliefs, and conditions. It examines how the society defines, labels, and reacts to whatever, and whoever, falls under this stigmatizing process—thereby providing a distinctly sociological approach to the phenomenon. The central focus in defining what and who is deviant is the audience—members of the influential social collectivities that determine the outcome of this process. The discussion in this volume encompasses both the explanatory (or positivist) approach and the constructionist (or labeling) perspectives, thereby lending a broad and inclusive vista on deviance. The central chapters in the book explore specific instances or forms of deviance, including crime, substance abuse, and mental disorder, all of which share the quality that they and their actors, believers, or bearers may be judged by these influential parties in a negative or derogatory fashion. And throughout Deviant Behavior, the author emphasizes that, to the sociologist, the term "deviant" is completely non-pejorative; no implication of inferiority or inherent stigma is implied; what the author emphasizes is that specific members of the society—social circles or collectivities—define and treat certain parties in a derogatory fashion; the sociologist does not share in this stigmatizing process but observes and describes it.

Looking for a textbook with simplified terminology and endless study helps? SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR hits the hot topics from terrorism to white-collar crime and shows you how sociological theory explains them. Now in its 13th edition, this textbook continues to be the best of its kind on the market. After you use its study guides and get the grade you need, you'll see why. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.