NCJ Number
90445
Date Published
1979
Length
424 pages
Annotation
Through a review of prevailing stress theories of deviant behavior, this dissertation attempts to illustrate that stress theories are typically based on the assumption that the relationship between stress and deviance is determinate and not indeterminate, are largely devoid of structuring variables, and thus do not adequately explain the origin of particular forms of deviant behavior.
Abstract
It further suggests that such nonstress perspectives as the Chicago School, labeling theory, and control theory are flawed in a similar manner. At the same time, an effort is made to document those instances in which theorists have avoided the assumption of determinacy and illustrated the way in which deviant behavior is socially structured. Finally, in order to illuminate how an actor's location in society structures the forms of deviance that can be pursued, an analysis of the structuring of female deviance is presented. About 420 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)