Understanding Deviance is an essential guide to criminological theory framed in a Canadian context. Prominent theorists such as Durkheim, Merton, and Thrasher are used to highlight the roots of the discipline, while the likes of Cicourel, Matza and Garland show how early approaches can be revised for the present-day. Some of the topics covered include juvenile deviance, street crime, aboriginal poverty, global capitalism, environmental crime, and living in a risk society. To ensure a balanced perspective, the major sociological theories of deviance are coupled with any important criticisms that have been voiced against them. Critical thinking questions and other pedagogical features showcase interesting issues that reflect the complex character of deviance in the modern world and act as a springboard for student exploration. This text offers students and instructors alike an excellent resource for studying deviance from a fresh new standpoint!

1. Confusion and Diversity Chapter Overview Introduction The Character and Sources of Ambiguity Sources of Diversity The Social Contexts of Differentiation Implications Chapter Summary 2. Sources of Knowledge about Deviance Chapter Overview Introduction The Elusive Quality of Deviance Some Methodological Strategies Indirect Sources Implications Chapter Summary 3. The University of Chicago School Chapter Overview Introduction The University, the Department, and the City The Roots of Responsiveness Ecology Social Ecology in Montreal Deviance, Crime, and Pathology The Normal and the Pathological Criticism Conclusion Chapter Summary 4. Functionalism, Deviance, and Control Chapter Overview Introduction The Sociological Background The Functions of Deviance and Control - Durkheim and Mead Developments in American Sociology Criticism Chapter Summary 5. Anomie Chapter Overview Introduction Durkheim's Theory of Anomie Merton's Theory of Anomie Anomie and After The Crisis of Social Capital Towards an Anomic Culture? Criticism Chapter Summary 6. Culture and Subculture Chapter Overview Introduction Theoretical Perspectives Criticism Chapter Summary 7. Symbolic Interactionism Chapter Overview Introduction Symbolic Interactionism and Deviance Criticism Chapter Summary 8. Phenomenology Chapter Overview Introduction Phenomenology: Some Premises Phenomenology, Sociology, and Deviance Criticism Chapter Summary 9. Control Theories Chapter Overview Introduction Sociological Control Theories of Deviance 'Situational' Control Theories Miscellaneous Theories of a Control Character Routine Activity Theory Criticism Chapter Summary 10. Radical Criminology Chapter Overview Introduction The 'New' Criminology The 'Birmingham School' Radical Criminology in America Allied Approaches The Emergence of 'Left Realism' 'New Directions' in Canadian Criminology Criticism Chapter Summary 11. Feminist Criminology Chapter Overview Introduction Female Emancipation and Crime Leniency and Control Gender, Crime, and Social Control Feminism and the Female Victim Criticism Chapter Summary 12. Deviance Theories and Social Policy Chapter Overview Introduction The Relationship Between Theory and Policy Putting it all Together: Cases Conclusions Chapter Summary 13. The Metamorphosis of Deviance Chapter Overview Introduction How Theories Illuminate the Millennium - Prediction and Control Conclusion Glossary Endnotes References Index

David Downes , Professor Emeritus of Social Administration, London School of Economics and Political Science, Chris McCormick , Professor, Department of Criminology, St. Thomas University, Canada