A review of the sociological literature includes the work of Cloward, Durkheim, Merton, and Parsons. It also covers the theories of the Chicago School of criminology, including Thrasher, Shaw and McKay, and Sutherland. The more recent revisionist approaches of labeling theory, control theory, and conflict theory are analyzed. The review shows that numerous theorists have illuminated the ways in which the deviant choices people make are structured or patterned by social circumstances. In fact, this structuring perspective is seen as a long-standing theoretical paradigm in the field. It is suggested, however, that most scholars have focused largely on the issue of why someone becomes deviant, neglecting to examine reasons for the various forms deviance takes. Further work in structuring analyses should produce a more complete theoretical understanding of the origins of criminal and deviant activity. Endnotes, an index, and a list of 379 references are provided.