Deviant Behavior : Crime, Conflict, and Interest Groups

Using the framework of interest group conflict, this text combines a balanced, comprehensive overview of the field of deviance with first-hand expertise in the workings of the criminal justice system.

Deviant Behavior, Seventh Edition, surveys a wide range of topics, from explanations regarding crime and criminal behavior, measurement of crime, violent crime and organizational deviance, to sexual behavior, mental health, and substance abuse. This new edition continues its tradition of applying time-tested, sociological theory to developing social concepts and emerging issues.

Using the framework of interest group conflict, this text combines a balanced, comprehensive overview of the field of deviance with first-hand expertise in the workings of the criminal justice system. This new edition continues its tradition of applying time-tested, sociological theory to developing social concepts and emerging issues.

Every edition is thoroughly updated to reflect current research. Some exciting new changes to this edition include the following:

• Chapter 7, “Deviant Drug Use,” now includes coverage of prescription drug abuse and performance enhancing drugs.
• Chapter 8, “Mental Disorders,” now includes coverage of common mental disorders such as depression, phobias, and treatment.
• Sociologist Sandra Harley Carey joins the author team and contributes a new Chapter 9, “Suicide,” which covers topics such as history, current attitude, risk factors, warning signs, physician-assisted suicide, and prevention.
• Chapter 11, “Sexual Deviance,” now includes coverage of sexual harassment and the debate over gay marriage.