The Relativity of Deviance - Softcover

Curra, John O.

3.71

21 ratings by Goodreads

9781452202624: The Relativity of Deviance

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1452202621 ISBN 13: 9781452202624

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2013

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The Relativity of Deviance is a short, clearly-written primer by award-winning expert in sociology and criminology, John Curra. Offering a high-level analysis of the relativity of deviance―perfect for use in conjunction with any of the core deviance textbooks on the market―Curra answers such questions as: What is deviance? What comprises deviant behavior? How are deviants treated? Why is the same act sometimes praised and sometimes condemned as deviant behavior? Through insightful and thought-provoking examples such as the blue people of Kentucky, a woman who believes she is a vampire, autoerotic asphyxiates, and others, Curra illustrates that deviance cannot be explained in terms of absolutes nor can it be understood apart from its social setting. This book approaches issues of sex, violence, theft, drugs, and mental disorders in a way that makes definitive or objective judgments impossible.

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About the Author:

John Curra (PhD, Purdue University) is a professor at Eastern Kentucky University where he has taught courses in introductory sociology, social deviance, criminology, sociological analysis, social problems, social psychology, juvenile delinquency, and criminological theory since 1975. He has taught. In 1981, he received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In 2005–2007, he was selected 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 co-authored several texts, an instructor’s manual, and a reader.

Review:

"It is well organized and well written, examines a range of timely matters, and provides a good many interesting examples."

Author: David F. Luckenbill

"The author takes pains to include phenomenon that many choose to ignore. I find the author′s inclusion of these to be the greatest strengths of the text."

Author: Patrick McGrain

"The greatest strengths of this book: the marshaling of a vast array of knowledge from psychology, biology, and especially anthropology to craft arguments in each chapter."

Author: J. William Spencer

"Many of the ideas are solid and the questions raised by the book are ones that must be raised in a society that often idolizes authoritarians."

Author: Thomas Brignall

"I find the writing style to be a significant strength of this text."

Author: Dr. Lisa Munson Weinberg

"Interesting examples students can relate to."

Author: Niame Adele

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