Wayward Puritans

Kai T. Erikson uses the Puritan settlement in 17th-century Massachusetts as a setting in which to examine several ideas about deviant behavior in society. Combining sociology and history, the author draws on the records of the Bay Colony to illustrate the way in which deviant behavior fits in the texture of social life generally. The main argument of "Wayward Puritans" is that deviant forms of behavior are often a valuable resource in society, providing a point of contrast, which is necessary for the maintenance of a coherent social order. In a new Afterword, the author offers new conclusions, fresh insights, and noteworthy reflections on his work and its impact forty years after its original publication ""I keep coming back and coming back in my writing and teaching to WAYWARD PURITANS. Kai Erikson's deep appreciation of the ritual dimensions of social life remains a refreshing alternative to rational-choice reductionism. And for social scientists who have recently discovered 'symbolic boundaries, ' the idea was already here. My advice to each new cohort of aspiring social observers: read WAYWARD PURITANS."" Robert Wuthnow, Princeton University ""WAYWARD PURITANS is a true sociological classic. Kai Erikson has produced a brilliant theory of social deviance as well as one of the most remarkable attempts to identify boundaries as a critical sociological phenomenon. One of the most spectacular products of the Durkheimian tradition, this is sociology at its best."" Eviatar Zerubavel, Rutgers University ""Sociological classics speak to all people at all times about the social condition of humanity. For almost forty years, WAYWARD PURITANS has thrown light on that condition. In the new millennium we need that light, for our moral boundaries have shifted radically. Kai Erikson's classic helps explain those shifts, and, explaining them, relates the state of our society to our own moral dilemmas. It is a great book that speaks to us more loudly and clearly today than ever before."" Barry Schwartz, University of Georgia ""Boundary crises come in all flavors. This book describes both the Puritan instance and the general theory. Erikson came up with a fundamental discovery of human life. It's a great theory and a great book, as important now as when it first came out."" Albert J. Bergesen, University of Arizona

DISCOUNTED BUNDLE SAVES YOUR STUDENTS MONEY!This book is available bundled with Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life Readings, Seventh Edition (bundle ISBN: 978-1-4129-6151-6) The Seventh Edition of David NewmanÆs Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life invites students to delve into the fascinating world of sociological thought. Encouraging students to think more about how sociology applies to their everyday lives, this edition features updated coverage and fresh examples, including revamped micro-macro connections to help students understand the link between individual lives and the structure of society. New to the Seventh Edition Presents new and updated coverage throughout, including new sections on Muslim-Americans, global warming, and sexual orientationFeatures NewmanÆs signature compelling writing style with slightly briefer chapters and integrated global content in each for a better fit with todayÆs courses Provides a more robust research methods section with innovative discussions of spuriousness in research, reading a research article correctly, and more, plus a new ôDoing Social Researchö feature Offers new examples from the myriad U.S. subcultures to engage students with examples that are relevant to their lives Features new and updated Micro-Macro Connections, including technology and erosion of privacy, the global health divide, and more, to help students make the link between their daily lives and the architecture of society Includes fresh examples and updated statistical information throughout the text, along with new exhibits and impactful visual essays Ancillaries InstructorÆs Resources on CD-Rom are available to qualified instructors. Contact SAGE at [email protected] or 1.800.818.7243 to request a copy.Student study site û COMING SOON - at www.pineforge.com/newman7study Intended AudienceThis core text is designed for students enrolled in Introduction to Sociology and Principles of Sociology courses in departments of sociology.

Annotation. Although the US is proud of being a secular state, religion lies at the heart of American politics. This volume looks at how the country came to have the soul of a church & the consequences - the moral crusades against slavery, alcohol, witchcraft & discrimination that time & again have prevailed upon the nation.

The anthropological approach to the expulsion of the foreign women from the post-exilic community argues that it was the result of a witch-hunt. Its comparative approach notes that the community responded to its weak social boundaries in the same fashion as societies with similar social weaknesses. This book argues that the post-exilic community's decision to expel the foreign women in its midst was the direct result of the community's inability to enforce a common morality among its members. This anthropological approach to the expulsion shows how other societies with weak social moralities tend to react with witch-hunts, and it suggests that the expulsion in Ezra 9-10 was precisely such an activity. It concludes with an examination of the political and economic forces that could have eroded the social morality of the community.

This book explores Puritanism and its continuing influence on U.S. and military law in the Global War on Terror, exploring connections between Puritanism and notions of responsibility in relation to military crimes, superstitious practices within the military, and urges for revenge. Engaging with the work of figures such as Durkheim, Fauconnet and Weber, it draws on primary data gathered through participation and observation at the U.S. Army courts-martial following events at Abu Ghraib, Operation Iron Triangle, the Baghdad canal killings and a war crimes case in Afghanistan, to show how Puritan cultural habits color and shape both American military actions and the ways in which these actions are perceived by the American public. A theoretically sophisticated examination of the cultural tendencies that shape military conduct and justice in the context of a contemporary global conflict, The Puritan Culture of America’s Military will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in social theory and sociology, cultural studies, politics and international relations and military studies.

Examines the sins and confessions in church disciplinary records to argue that daily practices created a gendered Puritanism.

The Handbook of Deviance is a definitive reference for professionals, researchers, and students that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the sociology of deviance. Composed of over 30 essays written by an international array of scholars and meticulously edited by one of the best known authorities on the study of deviance Features chapters on cutting-edge topics, such as terrorism and environmental degradation as forms of deviance Each chapter includes a critical review of what is known about the topic, the current status of the topic, and insights about the future of the topic Covers recent theoretical innovations in the field, including the distinction between positivist and constructionist perspectives on deviance, and the incorporation of physical appearance as a form of deviance

This book is intended for scholars and students of sociology, social science methodology, business, economics, and social researchers.