Synopses & Reviews
Understanding Deviance is an essential guide to criminological theory framed in a Canadian context. Prominent theorists such as Durkheim, Merton, and Thrasher are used to highlight the roots of the discipline, while the likes of Cicourel, Matza and Garland show how early approaches can be revised for the present-day. Some of the topics covered include juvenile deviance, street crime, aboriginal poverty, global capitalism, environmental crime, and living in a risk society. To ensure a balanced perspective, the major sociological theories of deviance are coupled with any important criticisms that have been voiced against them. Critical thinking questions and other pedagogical features showcase interesting issues that reflect the complex character of deviance in the modern world and act as a springboard for student exploration. This text offers students and instructors alike an excellent resource for studying deviance from a fresh new standpoint.
About the Author
Chris McCormick is a Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick.
David Downes is Professor Emeritus of Social Administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Paul Rock is a Professor of Social Institutions at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Table of Contents
1. Confusion and Diversity
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The Character and Sources of Ambiguity
Sources of Diversity
The Social Contexts of Differentiation
Implications
Chapter Summary
2. Sources of Knowledge about Deviance
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The Elusive Quality of Deviance
Some Methodological Strategies
Indirect Sources
Implications
Chapter Summary
3. The University of Chicago School
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The University, the Department, and the City
The Roots of Responsiveness
Ecology
Social Ecology in Montreal
Deviance, Crime, and Pathology
The Normal and the Pathological
Criticism
Conclusion
Chapter Summary
4. Functionalism, Deviance, and Control
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The Sociological Background
The Functions of Deviance and Control - Durkheim and Mead
Developments in American Sociology
Criticism
Chapter Summary
5. Anomie
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Durkheim's Theory of Anomie
Merton's Theory of Anomie
Anomie and After
The Crisis of Social Capital
Towards an Anomic Culture?
Criticism
Chapter Summary
6. Culture and Subculture
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Theoretical Perspectives
Criticism
Chapter Summary
7. Symbolic Interactionism
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance
Criticism
Chapter Summary
8. Phenomenology
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Phenomenology: Some Premises
Phenomenology, Sociology, and Deviance
Criticism
Chapter Summary
9. Control Theories
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Sociological Control Theories of Deviance
'Situational' Control Theories
Miscellaneous Theories of a Control Character
Routine Activity Theory
Criticism
Chapter Summary
10. Radical Criminology
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The 'New' Criminology
The 'Birmingham School'
Radical Criminology in America
Allied Approaches
The Emergence of 'Left Realism'
'New Directions' in Canadian Criminology
Criticism
Chapter Summary
11. Feminist Criminology
Chapter Overview
Introduction
Female Emancipation and Crime
Leniency and Control
Gender, Crime, and Social Control
Feminism and the Female Victim
Criticism
Chapter Summary
12. Deviance Theories and Social Policy
Chapter Overview
Introduction
The Relationship Between Theory and Policy
Putting it all Together: Cases
Conclusions
Chapter Summary
13. The Metamorphosis of Deviance
Chapter Overview
Introduction
How Theories Illuminate the Millennium - Prediction and Control
Conclusion
Glossary
Endnotes
References
Index