The Relativity of Deviance

by John Curra

Overview

Exploring the meanings of social deviance and the public reaction to it, this clear and cogent book shows that what qualifies as deviance varies according to place, time and situation. The author demonstrates that deviance cannot be explained in terms of absolutes, nor can it be understood apart from its setting.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761907770
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	08/04/1999
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

John Curra is a professor at Eastern Kentucky University, where he has taught since 1975. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from San Diego State College (now San Diego State University) in sociology, and his doctorate from Purdue University, also in sociology. He has taught courses in introductory sociology, social deviance, criminology, sociological analysis, social problems, social psychology, juvenile delinquency, and criminological theory. In 1981, he received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In 2005–2007, he was chosen as a Foundation Professor, one of the highest honors a professor can receive at Eastern Kentucky University. In 2012, Curra moved to the Department of Criminal Justice in the School of Justice Studies. That same year, he was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Justice and Safety. Curra has authored or coauthored several books, an instructor’s manual, and a reader.

Table of Contents

1. The Dynamic Nature of Deviance
2. Being Deviant
3. Power, Social Networks, and Organizational Deviance
4. Mental Disorders
5. Predatory Violence
6. Sexual Violence
7. Suicide
8. Sexual Diversity
9. Drugs and Drug Taking
Index

Editorial Reviews

A supplementary text for a course in sociology, anthropology, criminology, psychology, and related fields, or a core text for a course on deviance itself. Curra (sociology, Eastern Kentucky U.) cites so many examples<-->some funny some sad<-->that readers can no longer define deviance or normality in absolute terms. Among his subjects are the blue people of Kentucky, a woman who believes she is a vampire, autoerotic asphyxiates, and a man who ate an entire airplane. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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