Explaining Social Deviance

By: Paul Root Wolpe, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Paul Root Wolpe

How do deviants reconcile their behavior with society's norms? This set of 10 lectures examines the complex topic of deviance and how major sociological theories have attempted to define it and understand its role in both historical and modern society. Professor Wolpe introduces deviance as "a complex, often ambiguous, social phenomenon that raises numerous questions about how a varied and often arbitrary set of characteristics can be used to name the same idea."

Intended for those with some understanding of sociology, these lectures trace Western theories of deviance from classical demonism to constructionism. Along the way, you'll get a chance to investigate a range of fascinating, thought-provoking, and sometimes even frightening topics and issues.

You'll discover the relationship between deviance and criminology, and come to terms with three major sociological perspectives on deviance in human society. You'll explore the concept of demonism, with divides the world into good and evil, and see how it's often been used to explain and categorize bad behavior when no other explanations are available. You'll learn about the influence of science on sociological thought as proposed by a range of important thinkers, as well as the impact of this science on everything from the IQ controversy to the eugenics movement to Social Darwinism.

Professor Wolpe has crafted an engaging series of discussions that are sure to have you looking at the world around you (and the people in them) in a new way.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1995 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1995 The Great Courses

Great grounding for social deviance

Would you consider the audio edition of Explaining Social Deviance to be better than the print version?

The added value of the audio version is the inflection of the professors voice giving you additional insight into what he is trying to communicate.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Explaining Social Deviance?

Control theory as roughly analogized to his daughter taking a lollipop off the store counter. Another memorable moment was the story about 'Monster'.

Which scene was your favorite?

The conversations about labeling in combination with differential association was the most interesting to me because I think it speaks to some of the violent behavior we see in schools these days.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to each chapter during my commute which is about an hour each direction.

Any additional comments?

The format is structured like a college lecture, but the tone is conversational and very easy to listen to and enjoy.

Very interesting subject

This audiobook was very interesting, definitely met my expectations. The professor explains how and why social deviance is so variable across time periods and cultures, and gives you the tools to understand different incentives to creating deviant behaviors in the first place. Great if you're interested in psychology, history, sociology, or politics.

Deviance is not as deviant as you might think!

Would you consider the audio edition of Explaining Social Deviance to be better than the print version?

Don't know

What was one of the most memorable moments of Explaining Social Deviance?

When it becomes clear that deviance is not necessarily a bad, or unusual thing

What about Professor Paul Root Wolpe’s performance did you like?

His intonation and narrative is interesting. If you enjoy learning about a somewhat dry topic he makes it interesting. I never was bored.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it's got too much information in it. Need to digest slowly.

Any additional comments?

I never thought about deviance as he presents it. I listened to it to try and understand why some people are so evil. He doesn't really discuss this but presents theories of deviance from a social science perspective which I was unaware of.

why did he have to discredit himself in the end?

the course is really interesting, going through the different interpretations and epoches of understanding deviance.
There is sometimes a bit of an undertone, that gives me the impression the author's own moral is peaking through.
Sadly, the author chose to end the book with a critique of science as deviance that in this form just does not hold up. There truly is a difference between claims that can be substantiated and those that can not.

It's more than what I thought it would be!

This was exactly what a sociology course should be. I had to reexamine the way I think about society! Great job!

I cannot stop listening to it again

This us a comprehensive, organised look into deviance. It is engaging and thought provoking. By far the favorite book I bought here. Cannot recommend enough.

Excellent content, though outdated

The content in this lecture is fascinating and intriguing, leaving the learner with a desire to know more about social theories and was constitutes deviance as we define it.

The lecturer is an excellent speaker, however the content is outdated, referencing cultural events that occurred in the 1990's. I would love an updated addendum to this lecture.

Dated and Stigmatizing

I find quite problematic that profesor uses prostitution as an example of a crime and talk about sexual workers as example of criminals…

Professor is repetitive and sometimes not well articulated. It is OK as an overview of sociological literature on the topic, but I am afraid the Great Courses needs to update this.

Excellent read/listen - do not miss it

Mr. Wolpe goes directly to the point.
This is very refreshing.
He is clear and does not wait words or time.
This is a great book, worth paying for.
I listen it for free and I turned around and paid for it.
I am happy that I found it.

Excellent theoretical guide

Would you listen to Explaining Social Deviance again? Why?

I was hoping to learn some practical stuff from this book, but it turned out to be a typical "textbook" read: lots of theory, definitions, etc. Yes, it's a great and useful book, just not in a way I expected.