Understanding Deviance

Explore the Institution For Grasping Nonconformity 

1. ISBN-10

   0415642612
2. ISBN-13

   978-0415642613In this collection of 48 reprinted and entirely unique articles, Tammy Anderson presents her fellow instructors of undergraduate nonconformity an invigorating approach to rejuvenate and reinvigorate their courses. [36 are reprints; 12 are original to this text/anthology]

   First, in 12 distinct sections, she introduces a range of nonconforming behaviors, traits, and situations including: underage alcohol consumption and intoxicated driving, use of performance-enhancing substances in elite sports, gang behavior, community crime, juvenile delinquency, hate crime, prison violence and transgendered prisoners, mental illness, substance-using women and domestic violence, obesity, body art, unconventional sexual practices, prostitution, substance epidemics, viral pandemics, crime management strategies and racial inequality, LGBTQ+ communities, HIV and individuals seeking to be infected, and (finally) youth, multicultural identity, and music scenes.

   Second, her juxtaposition of “traditional” and “contemporary” perspectives about nonconformity and social control not only “links” important literatures of the past to present-day (scholar) readers, her “connections framework” also assists all of us in perceiving social life and social processes more clearly when different meanings are assigned to similar forms of nonconformist behavior. It also teaches us to acknowledge and engage with those who perceive things differently from ourselves. This may better prepare us to achieve common objectives in an increasingly diverse and ever-evolving world.

   Third, a major educational aim of Anderson’s anthology is to enhance students’ critical thinking abilities by compelling them to consider how a nonconforming behavior, trait, or situation, could be perceived from opposing or alternative viewpoints. By learning to view nonconformity from multiple perspectives, students will better understand their own and others’ behaviors and experiences and be able to anticipate future trends. Balancing multiple perspectives may also aid students in their practical work in social service, criminal justice, and other agencies and institutions that deal with populations considered “nonconformist” in one way or another.