Deviance and Social Control Who Rules?

This text examines the bizarre and the everyday behaviours that some sociologists have labelled 'deviance'. It outlines the history of sociological thought on deviance and engages with the debate about the 'death of deviance'. The authors argue it is more useful to talk about rules and rule-breakers than deviance, and relate these ideas to our professional lives, where the idea of deviance continues to be important.Key issues examinedDrugsBodiesSexuality, including paedophilia and female sexual dysfunctionSanity and madnessLaw, justice and the prison systemTerrorism, state crime and cyber-crimeFeminism and post-modernismTheories of deviance from outside and within sociologyDesigned to aid learningBy using topical examples of deviance and social control that students will recognise and connect with, the authors ensure students will engage with the theoretical concepts. Case studies and student exercises enable students to reflect further on their understandings.

Desmond McDonnell is Senior Lecturer, School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, RMIT University.