Deviant Behavior

Deviant behavior is not a subject that you study in school and then file away. It is a study of life and is ever changing. Defining the concept of deviant behavior is one of the most difficult tasks to overcome when studying the subject. Sociologists probably disagree more over the meaning of deviant behavior than any other subject. This book is an easy-to-read one-volume text that defines and explains the concepts and issues involved in the study of deviant behavior.

The book begins by exploring the nature and definition of deviance. It discusses why certain conduct is labeled as deviant and some is not. It examines the two major perspectives on what constitutes deviance—positivism and constructionism. It goes on to look at the various theoretical explanations for deviant behavior, including free will or lack thereof, rational choice, social control, cultural transmission, strain theories, and biological and psychological explanations.

The book provides an in-depth explanation of the many categories of deviant behavior—interpersonal violence, self-destructive behavior, family violence, business and organized crime, governmental deviance, cybercrimes, and human trafficking and commercial sex. The authors take an international approach and emphasize that what is deviant in one culture may not be deviant in another. To aid understanding, each chapter concludes with a detailed summary, review questions, and definitions of the relevant key terms.

Cliff Roberson is professor emeritus of criminal justice at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, and a retired professor of criminology at California State University, Fresno. He previously served as editor in chief of the international police journals Police Practices and Research and Professional Issues in Criminal Justice Journal. He is also an adjunct professor for Kaplan University.

He has authored or coauthored more than 60 books and texts on legal subjects. His previous academic experiences include associate vice president for academic affairs, Arkansas Tech University; dean of arts and sciences, University of Houston, Victoria; director of programs, National College of District Attorneys; professor of criminology and director of the Justice Center, California State University, Fresno; and assistant professor of criminal justice, St. Edwards University.

Elena Azaola is professor emeritus at the Center for Advanced Studies and Research in Social Anthropology located in Mexico City. She earned a PhD in anthropology and did her postgraduate study on deviant behavior at Columbia University. She is also a psychoanalyst. Dr. Azaola is presently Mexico’s representative to the Human Rights Commission. In addition, she was an advisor with the National Commission of Human Rights and a council member at the Federal District Commission of Human Rights. She coordinated the European Commission project for street children in Mexico (1999–2003).

Dr. Azaola has published more than 125 journal articles and numerous books on human behavior, crime, and human rights. Her research on the commercial sexual exploitation of children was sponsored by the United Nations Children Fund.