Howard S. Becker

Sociological Work: Method and Substance Howard S. Becker 1st edition

Marc Notes: Originally published: Chicago, Ill.: Aldine Pub. Co., c1970. First published by Transaction: 1977.; Includes bibliographical references and indexes. Review Quotes:"These papers, conveying as they do two decades of 'work, ' reveal a man who is increasingly at ease with himself and his materials. Even the choice of title indicates the sense of proportion and balance that has characterized Becker's efforts. . . . Becker's work is not only eminently political, but frankly humanitarian. . . . Sociological Work is a rich resource. It requires no defense and warrants no assaults. . . . It needs only to be read and understood." --Irving Louis Horowitz, American Sociological Review "[A] refreshing departure from mundane approaches with a priori 'correct' methods. . . . Becker's contact with reality is amply evidenced in his descriptions of social positions and circumstances. He brings to light perspectives which would seem difficult to derive without actually being in the positions described." --Edward Silvio Emery, Social SciencePublisher Marketing: Howard S. Becker is a leading contemporary sociologist who interprets society as collective action and sociology, therefore, as the study of collective action. This volume explores the theory and methods necessary to study collective action and social interaction. Becker includes most of his work on theory and method that has not previously appeared in book form. It reflects his unique way of thinking about and studying society. The first part of the book treats methodological problems as problems of social interaction and lists a series of research problems requiring analytic attention. The second part illustrates Becker's approach through full reports on two of his major research projects. Four theoretical statements on how people change comprise the third part, and the fourth part includes important contributions to the study of deviance. These essays illustrate the need to study deviance as part of the general study of society, not as an isolated specialty. Sociological Work is an important statement of the distinctive theoretical and methodological views associated with the Chicago School of Sociology; it shows a deep concern with the first-hand study of processes and human consequences of collective action and interaction. This illuminating volume is an engaging introduction to some of the issues of importance to sociologists and those interested in the studies of collective action and deviance, and it is well adapted to use in courses in these areas.

Contributor Bio:  Becker, Howard Saul Howard Becker lives and works in San Francisco. He is the author of several books, including "Outsiders," "Writing for Social Scientists," and "Tricks of the Trade," the latter two published by the University of Chicago Press.