"Outsiders" is a sociological analysis of deviant behavior, exploring how society defines and responds to deviance. It includes empirical studies on marijuana users and dance musicians, examining their cultures and the societal reactions they provoke.
The target group of the book are individuals such as undergraduate students in sociology, teachers, and those interested in the field of sociology, particularly in the study of deviance.
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Deviance is a subjective concept, dependent on social rules, their enforcement, and societal reactions, highlighting the power dynamics and conflicts within different social groups.
There are four categories of deviant behaviour: Conforming behavior, purely deviant behavior, falsely accused behavior and secretly deviant behavior.
Marijuana use is shaped by societal norms, personal experiences, and the dynamics within non-traditional groups, challenging initial fears and moral reservations.
Dance musicians form a distinct subculture, defined by self-segregation and shared understandings, as a response to societal misperceptions and to safeguard their artistic freedom.
A dance musician's career is a tightrope walk between artistic passion and commercial success, often shaped by societal norms and familial expectations.
The transition from values to rules is a process driven by moral entrepreneurs, involving deduction, application, selective enforcement, and public support.
Deviance is a societal construct shaped by the interplay between moral entrepreneurs who create rules and rule enforcers who selectively apply them.
The study of societal deviance is hindered by data scarcity, technical and ethical challenges, and the need to balance perspectives without bias.
"Labeling theory" in sociology demystifies deviance as a collective process, challenging power dynamics and intertwining scientific and ethical perspectives.
"Outsiders" revolutionized sociology by challenging traditional views on deviance and normality, reflecting the spirit of the 1960s and meeting the demand for fresh perspectives.
"Outsiders" by Howard S. Becker is a seminal work in sociology that explores the concept of deviance in society. The book, first published in 1963, examines how society labels and treats those who do not conform to social norms, or "outsiders." Becker argues that deviance is not a quality of the act a person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions. The book also delves into the culture of deviant groups, such as marijuana users and dance musicians, and how they navigate societal rules.
Howard S. Becker is a renowned American sociologist known for his work in the fields of education, culture, deviance, and art. His influential theories, particularly on "labeling theory," have significantly shaped the understanding of social deviance and collective behavior.
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