Constructions of Deviance: Social Power, Context, and Interaction

by Patricia A. Adler, Peter Adler

This new anthology of readings in deviance provides the missing link between classroom presentation and the theoretical sociology presented in textbooks. Presented within an interactionist/social constructionist framework, the book's 39 readings represent a variety of richly descriptive, qualitative studies of deviant subcultures, deviant behavior, and the management of deviant identities. Using the subjects' own voices, these ethnographic studies provide vivid images, and, in conjunction with the six part introductions, help the student see the connection between the characteristics of individual experience and the nature of social institutions and social power.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Psychology, Social Science, Textbooks, Crime, Read For School

600 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting chaps, could do without the slurs tho

[Noah Szlovák · Rating 2 out of 5]

some of the theories are pretty good, but a lot of the stuff is really outdated and doesn’t seem as relevant anymore

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essay's compiled by the Adler's, a well-known and accomplished couple in the field of sociology. Topics covered include rape, pedophilia, gangs, stripping, sexual asphyxia, etc. While it sounds graphic, the articles themselves are academic in nature, so most read like research, not novels. Still, for anyone interested in learning more about these topics or fascinated by social power and interaction, this collection is good enough to keep you interested. Though I had to read this for class, I plan on keeping the book as a reference tool for the future. I could easily see myself picking it up again and rereading the essays for "fun".

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

mmm, deviance.

[Kelley]

note to self: read "Real Punks and Pretenders" essay

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs an index to be even remotely useful.

[Laurie Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great textbook full of interesting articles on deviance. It is very insightful and thought provoking.

[rhea]

For my Social Deviance class, interesting stuff.

[Sab · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and half stars