THE OTHER SIDE

by Howard S.-Ed. Becker ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

There are 16 essays in this volume, representing the work of 19 sociologists and their associates. However much they may differ in subject matter or conclusion, all the studies may be considered as ""Perspectives on Deviance."" And as the editor points out, there are two further distinguishing characteristics held a common; a ""notable lack"" of sentimentality, and a view of deviance itself as ""an a eractive process involving both deviants and non-deviants."" The general reader will no doubt find some of the topics, such as mental retardation, gambling, and the subcultures in California prisons as surprising as they are fascinating when from this angle. The expected types, the homosexual and drug addict, are also represented, and approached in more or less novel ways. Other inquiries of special interest are devoted to the effects of mental illness on family ties, the behavior of systematic check forgers, employers' attitudes towards ex-convicts, and the less known world of addicted physicians. Throughout, the emphasis is as much on others' responses as on those of the deviants themselves, as well as on the larger social implications of organized ""queerness."" The readable presentation may diffuse the market beyond the professional spheres of interest.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillian-Free Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION