Constructions of Deviance: Social Power, Context, and Interaction

This text is the industry standard for publishing the most recent and relevant articles in the field of deviance, by demonstrating to students how the concepts and theories of deviance can be applied to the world around them. The authors include both theoretical analyses and ethnographic illustrations of how deviance is socially constructed, organized, and managed. The Adlers challenge the reader to see the diversity and pervasiveness of deviance in society by covering a wide variety of deviant acts represented throughout the text. Most importantly, the Adler and Adler present deviance as a component of society and examine the construction of deviance in terms of differential social power. The book takes an "interactionist" or "constructionist" perspective on deviance, looking at the processes in society that create deviance. The authors have selected studies that are ethnographic in character, focusing on the experiences of deviants, the deviant-making process, and the ways in which people labeled as deviant in society react to that label. Students enjoy the Adler's balanced selection of readings, as they are timely and engaging. In depth introduction, explanation of theory, and discussion questions after each reading help guide students through the material.