Images of Deviance and Social Control: A Sociological History

A very scholarly, upper-level text examining deviance and social control using nine major theoretical perspectives. For each perspective, Pfohl describes the basic theoretical images of deviance; discusses dominant research strategies and social control policies; locates the perspective within a general sociohistorical framework; discusses its status today; and assesses its strengths and weaknesses. While primarily sociological, it spans the concerns of a variety of disciplines (criminology/CJ, anthropology, religion, psychology, medicine, political science), integrating references to literature, film, music, and painting to show parallels between images of deviance produced by scientists and those produced by artists. A persuasive theme is that power relations, which are socially organized, shape a person's perception, definition, and reaction to deviance; thus, the study of deviance and social control is decidedly political. In the second edition, in addition to general updating, Pfohl enhances material on race and gender in the hierarchical/patriarchal power structure. He also expands and elaborates upon the critical perspective, devoting the two final chapters to it.

“This is a classic book that I have been using for years. Thank you for reissuing it. You have done a great service to the subfield of deviance.”  — A. Javier Trevino, Wheaton College

“It is the only work I have found that integrates religious, psychological, and law enforcement interests with those of sociology. It also makes major use of the critical (including the postmodernist) perspective in its analysis. Your pricing is an important improvement as well.”  — James Truitner, City College of San Francisco

“Awesome book. The frameworks as described by Pfohl are of great use to students in applying theories to contemporary contexts.”  — Leslie Elrod, University of Cincinnati

“I cannot say enough about this text and have been using it since it was first published. It is well-written, clear, scholarly, focussed, and well priced.”  — Arthur Ferrari, Connecticut College