The Death and Resurrection of Deviance

Abstract

Deviance has long been a cornerstone of sociological inquiry, so much so that commentators have determined that it is overused, under-defined and may have run its analytical course. It has become a contested category in the last few years, and some sociologists have proclaimed the 'death of deviance', noting that the abundance of introductory classes on the subject are not synonymous with a vibrant field of research. This comprehensive volume analyses the uses of the 'deviance' concept to show its possible utility in a variety of fields such as religion, education, and media narratives. Bringing together leading international scholars, it demonstrates the vitality of this area of inquiry and its continued relevance to the social sciences.