How do social interactions, labeling processes, and collective interpretations construct the phenomenon of deviance within a society? Earl Rubington and Martin S. Weinberg, both established scholars in the field of sociology, utilize an interactionist framework to move beyond traditional pathology-based models of deviance. By synthesizing a wide range of sociological research, they argue that deviance is not an inherent trait of an individual but rather a dynamic outcome of social reaction and interpersonal negotiation.

This text is widely regarded as a foundational reader for students of sociology, providing a clear and structured introduction to the interactionist school of thought. Its focus on the mechanics of social labeling makes it a standard resource for understanding the complexities of deviant behavior in a social context.