The Relativity of Deviance

The Relativity of Deviance provides a high-level of analysis of the relativity of deviance in a short, clearly-written primer intended for use alongside all of the major core deviance textbooks on the market. It answers such questions as: What is Deviant? What is deviant behavior? How should the deviant be treated? Why is the same act sometimes praised and sometimes condemned? Author John Curra answers these questions and more as he explores the meanings of social deviance and public reaction to it. Readers will see that what qualifies as deviance varies from place to place, time to time, and situation to situation. Through humorous, sad, and thought-provoking examples about the blue people of Kentucky, a woman who believes she is a vampire, autoerotic asphyxiates, and others, Curra illustrates that deviance cannot be explained in terms of absolutes, nor can it be understood apart from its social setting. This book approaches sex, violence, theft, drugs, and mental disorders in such a way that definitive or objective judgments become impossible.

Table of Contents:
Preface The Dynamic Nature of Deviance Being Deviant Power, Social Networks, and Organizational Deviance Mental Disorders Predatory Violence Sexual Violence Suicide Sexual Diversity Drugs and Drug Taking Index

About the Author :
John Curra (PhD, Purdue University) is a professor at Eastern Kentucky University where he has taught courses in introductory sociology, social deviance, criminology, sociological analysis, social problems, social psychology, juvenile delinquency, and criminological theory since 1975. He has taught. In 1981, he received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In 2005–2007, he was selected as a Foundation Professor, one of the highest honors a professor can receive at Eastern Kentucky University. In 2012, Curra moved to the Department of Criminal Justice in the School of Justice Studies. That same year, he was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Justice and Safety. Curra has authored or co-authored several texts, an instructor’s manual, and a reader.

Review :
"It is well organized and well written, examines a range of timely matters, and provides a good many interesting examples." "The author takes pains to include phenomenon that many choose to ignore. I find the author′s inclusion of these to be the greatest strengths of the text." "The greatest strengths of this book: the marshaling of a vast array of knowledge from psychology, biology, and especially anthropology to craft arguments in each chapter." "Many of the ideas are solid and the questions raised by the book are ones that must be raised in a society that often idolizes authoritarians." "I find the writing style to be a significant strength of this text." "Interesting examples students can relate to."