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Deviant Behavior pp 27–59Cite as

Explanations of Deviance

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Abstract

This chapter discusses four main types of explanations or theories of deviant behavior. These four types—social integration, cultural support, social disorganization and conflict, and societal reaction—are used throughout the book to analyze the various forms of deviance. The chapters that follow clarify why the given types of explanation are or are not especially useful in understanding a specific form of deviant behavior. How certain of these theories can be modified or extended to explain deviance more fully is discussed. Further, there is emphasis on how the theories can in some instances be combined and synthesized to increase their explanatory power.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA

    Stuart Palmer

  2. University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

    John A. Humphrey

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  1. Stuart Palmer
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  2. John A. Humphrey
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© 1990 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Palmer, S., Humphrey, J.A. (1990). Explanations of Deviance. In: Deviant Behavior. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0583-3_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0583-3_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-306-43285-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0583-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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