Deviant Behavior: Crime, Conflict, And Interest Groups (5Th Edition)

Beginning with the premise that the definition of deviance is fluid and depends on the time and place of those trying to define it, this text discusses specific behaviors in the context of interest group conflict. The first three chapters provide a theoretical perspective on deviance. The second section examines specific instances of deviant behavior, particularly behaviors that are more or less agreed upon as deviant, such as murder, theft, and child abuse, while the last section deals with what McCaghy (sociology, Bowling Green State U.) deems are fuzzier issues such as drug abuse, cyberdeviance, mental disorders, and sexual deviance. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Deviant Behavior combines a balanced, comprehensive overview of the field of deviance with first-hand expertise in the workings of the criminal justice system. Using the framework of interest group conflict, the book surveys a wide range of topics, from violent crime and organizational deviance to sexual behavior, mental health, and substance abuse. For anyone interested in the field of deviance.