Olive Komberger: The Area of Social Problems – Howard Becker, Blanche Geer – 1963
Exploring Deviance and Social Construction
This work, edited by Howard Becker and Blanche Geer, presents a collection of essays that delve into the sociological understanding of social problems. Rather than viewing these problems as inherent within individuals or their actions, the contributors examine how social problems are constructed – how certain behaviors or conditions come to be defined as problematic through societal reactions and interpretations. The book challenges conventional approaches that focus on identifying causes and finding solutions, instead prioritizing the understanding of the processes through which problems are created and maintained.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1963, “The Area of Social Problems” emerged during a period of significant social change and growing sociological inquiry into deviance and social control. It was influenced by the symbolic interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the role of meaning-making and social interaction in shaping individual behavior and societal norms. This book directly challenged traditional functionalist views, which often assumed a natural order and viewed deviance as a disruption of that order. Its appearance coincided with increased public awareness of issues like poverty, crime, and mental illness, prompting a need for more nuanced and critical analysis.
Who This Book Is For
This work is primarily aimed at students and scholars in sociology, criminology, and related social sciences. However, its accessible style and insightful analysis also make it relevant to anyone interested in understanding the social construction of reality and the dynamics of social control. Readers with an interest in the psychology of belief and how societal narratives shape perceptions of normalcy and deviance may also find the book thought-provoking.
Further Reading
- Erving Goffman, Stigma: The Identification of Spoiled Identity (1963): Explores the social processes through which individuals are labeled and marginalized.
- Edwin Lemert, Social Pathology (1951): A foundational text in the sociological study of deviance.
- Howard Becker, Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance (1963): Becker’s own influential work on labeling theory and the creation of outsiders.
Disclaimer.
Oraclepedia is an independent educational and cultural project. The material presented explores myths, belief systems, symbolic traditions, and aspects of human perception from historical, cultural, and psychological perspectives.
Content is provided for informational and reflective purposes only and does not promote specific beliefs, spiritual practices, or ideological positions. Interpretations presented reflect scholarly, cultural, or symbolic analysis rather than factual claims about the natural world.