Presents a comprehensive overview of the contemporary body of knowledge in the field of social deviance in the twenty-first century. This book addresses the full range of scholarly concerns within this area - including theoretical, methodological, and substantive issues - in over seventy entries, written by an international mix of scholars.
'The Routledge Handbook of Deviant Behavior is more than a handbook. It meets the requirements of an encyclopedia on constellations of nonnormative behavior that, many a time, can interfere with social, occupational, or civic functioning.'
'This handbook, edited by Clifton Bryant, should help those working in mental health derive a better understanding of what deviant people do, how they do it, and why they do it....This book will also be of use to junior and senior journalists who often need to get quickly acquainted with the fine details of a social problem.'
'Written simply, it is loaded with pearls of information for the interested reader.'
'A particularly essential portion of the book, Part III (Theories of Deviance) attends to different evidence-based theories and explanations of deviance. Sociologists are masters at organizing theoretical propositions. Other disciplines will benefit from these established perspectives. Once again, this volume has much more exhaustive content than what is found in its competitors (e.g., Clinard & Meier, 2010). It offers 11 detailed chapters on theory, including ones on anomie strain theory, biological and biosocial theory, and postmodern theory. One would not need to read any further than this Handbook to become familiar with relevant theories.'
'In summary, this timely compendium offers a course for mental health practitioners and researchers alike, and it would also be a pertinent resource for journalists. The Handbook is not just for the live or digital classroom, but also for busy professionals who need continuing education but cannot afford the time to engage in a formal course.'-Linda S. Pagani, St. Justine's Pediatric Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, in PsycCRITIQUES
