Encyclopedia of Social Deviance

Craig J. Forsyth is Professor of Sociology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is the author of more than 200 journal articles and book chapters. His principal research interests are in the areas of deviance and crime. He is the author of The American Merchant Seaman: Struggle and Stigma (Taylor & Francis, 1989) and coauthor (with Anthony Margavio) of Caught in the Net: The Conflict Between Shrimpers and Conservationists (Texas A&M Press, 1996). He is the editor of the journal Deviant Behavior, a position he has held since 1998. He received his PhD in sociology from Louisiana State University in 1983. He did both his BA and MA at the University of New Orleans. Heith Copes is a professor in the Department of Justice Sciences at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from The University of Tennessee. His primary interests lie in understanding the decision making process and identity construction of offenders. He is the author of the monograph, Identity Thieves: Motives and Methods (2012, Northeastern University Press).

"The 313 entries in this "broad and comprehensive" encyclopedia cover the theory, philosophy, and methodology of social deviance, as well as "substantive topics"... Academic libraries, and some public libraries, would benefit from the information provided here." -- M. Schumacher * American Reference Books Annual * "...This work concentrates on substantive and traditionally defined deviant behaviors. Editors Forsyth (Univ. of Louisiana at Lafayette) and Copes (Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham) are well published in the areas of deviance and crime. ... Unlike older works such as the Encyclopedia of Criminology and Deviant Behavior (2001), edited by Clifton D. Bryant, which concentrates on the criminal aspects of social deviance, this new volume views the phenomenon in a broader context. Academic libraries will want to add this important set to their collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers." -- M. Sylvia * CHOICE * "A masterful survey of disruptive and aberrant behaviors, this encyclopedia presents comprehensive views on deviance. ...Presentation of complex psychological issues...lists common symptoms, settings, restrains, and punishments. Broader topics...cite numerous examples and subsets as springboards for further research. ...Authors maintain objectivity toward controversial issues without shortchanging readers of full coverage. This admirable, timely set will suit the reference needs of most public and academic libraries." -- Mary Ellen Snodgrass * Booklist * "Forsyth and Copes and 200-plus contributors cover here "any behavior that violates the cultural norm."...The more than 300 entries, which are between one and five pages in length each, are wide ranging...The material is accessible and includes cross-references and suggestions for further reading. ...VERDICT:...this title will work in academic institutions, which will do well to add it to the demand-driven-acquisitions list." -- Lura Sanborn * Library Journal *