Conceptualizing Deviance: A Cross-Cultural Social Network Approach to Comparing Relational and Attribute Data

(Hardback)

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Deviance is both socially defined and influenced. While it is widely accepted that deviance is a social construction, this research revisits the conceptualization of deviance and advances the methods used to study deviance and social construction.This book presents and compares three methods for conceptualizing deviance within and across cultures.Comparing the United States to South Korea, perceptions of deviance are presented as how individuals define deviance and what acts are cited as deviant. Next, attribute data are used to assess differences in of conceptualizations of deviance by demographic factors. Finally, social network analysis is used to understand the social influences at work in how one perceives deviance. This book is unique in its reconceptualization of deviance and the application of social network analysis as a new tool for studying social influence and perceptions.

Reviews

Brights novel exploration of deviance through the powerful lens of social networks analysis makes a number of important theoretical and practical contributions towards our understanding of the ways in which deviant behavior is interpreted, accepted, learned, and exhibited. Quite simply, networks matter. -- Anthony C. Hood, the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Bright's analysis is carefully constructed and insightful. The book will be a valuable resource, not only to sociologists studying a variety of social issues, but also across academic disciplines. Her methodology is sound and her explanations are clear. The book will be useful to graduate students as well as more experienced researchers, making the book a good selection for research teams. -- Roma Stovall Hanks, University of South Alabama
In a time of global injustice and cultural divides, Conceptualizing Deviance is an essential read for those hoping to understand the influence societies have on behavior and perceptions of deviance. -- Katelyn Jones, Cheongju National University of Education

Author Bio

Candace Forbes Bright is associate scientist in the Department of Political Science, International Development, and International Affairs at the University of Southern Mississippi.