SAGE Library of Social Research – serie

One of the founders of the field of criminology sums up a lifetime of work on the issue of capital punishment. He shows the fallacy of the arguments for the deterrent and retributive value of the death penalty. He argues cogently and passionately for the body of evidence showing that 'abolitionist' states suffer no more capital crime than 'retentionist' ones, and that retribution is neither swift, certain nor equitable.

`This is an impressive book by an established American criminologist...A short review cannot do justice to the careful argument, backed up by detailed evidence, which is contained here. The book is readable and clear, and anyone interested in the subject should certainly refer to it.' -- Bramshill Journal, Vol 1 No 3, July 1982

`...this book will almost certainly become a standard reference work for criminologists and laymen interested in the "ultimate" punishment.' -- International Social Science Review, Spring 1983

`In the unlikely event that there is any doubt that Thorsten Sellin is the foremost scholar of capital punishment that the world has ever known, that doubt will be eliminated by perusal of his latest work. In this fact-packed little volume, more questions on penalties for murder are answered than other writings even ask' -- Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences

`This book must be considered among the finest available dealing with the death penalty' -- Criminal Justice History

In every field there are a few conceptual thinkers who are able to compile what is known about a subject in ways that advance us to the next level of knowledge. Diana Russell is such a scholar, and this book represents such a step. By presenting the findings from her own ground-breaking research on the prevalence of rape and child sexual abuse in the context of the major causative theories of our time, she has provided an unparalleled synthesis of the magnitude and causes of sexual exploitation. This book represents an eloquent diagnosis of an untreated societal disease of epidemic proportions. --Kee MacFarlane, Director, Child Sexual Abuse Diagnostic Center, Children's Institute International, Los Angeles "The discussion . . . on the causes of child sexual abuse is the best I have seen. It is clear that this abuse is going to occupy considerably more attention than it has done previously. Russell's analysis should establish itself as an essential source for all who work in the area, or think about it." --Annual Survey of Family Law "Offers (along with an extensive review of the literature on all three forms of exploitation and a feminist critique of non-feminist work in the field) . . . a substantial and fascinating body of information about women's experience of rape and sexual abuse. . . . Well worth reading." --The Women's Review of Books "Challenges us to face the fact that this culture's notion of masculinity--particularly as it is applied to sexuality--predisposes men to violence, to rape, to sexual harassment, and to the sexual abuse of children. . . . Russell establishes sexual victimization as a unitary phenomenon with several interrelated manifestations that are linked by their causal commonalities. This, in itself, is a new and important contribution to our understanding of the problem. However, Russell does not stop here. She uses this perspective to illuminate a primary causal factor that cuts to the core of sexual abuse--a factor that, as a society, we are reluctant to see--perhaps because its implications are too threatening to the current social order." --Response "A powerful statement on the truly epidemic proportions of rape and other forms of sexual exploitation." --Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, Professor of Sociology, Boston College "Diana E.H. Russell's superb analysis of empirical research on several forms of sexual exploitation is as insightful as it is comprehensive. Including the important new information from her own unparalleled study, Russell's critical synthesis doubles as a reference update and a stimulating yet balanced contribution to the debate on sexuality and violence." --Catharine A. MacKinnon, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Law School "An impressive reference book for students new to the subject area of sexual exploitation and its prevalence and incidence. . . . Diana Russell's book is important. It provides a basis from which I hope, others will start to analyze the links between sexual exploitation and patriarchal attitudes in our society. In the process, many of the myths surrounding sexual exploitation may be shattered once and for all." --Youth & Policy "Because of all the literature she has integrated, Russell's book is an invaluable resource. Her survey on sexual assault is the best that's been done. With this book, the impressive findings from that survey are finally available to the public and professionals. Russell convincingly shows that sexual exploitation occurs in mammoth proportions, and she presents the first hard data to answer dozens of questions that up until now have only been the subject of heated debate. This is a giant step forward in our accumulation of knowledge about rape, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment." --David Finkelhor, University of New Hampshire

Why are the elderly so often perceived as burdensome and unproductive members of our society? Altruism in Later Life explores and refutes this view with cogent, empirical data. Authors Elizabeth Midlarsky and Eva Kahana introduce the results of a series of investigations on assistance offered by--rather than to--the elderly, in the context of historical, philosophical, and theoretical trends in gerontology and altruism research. Following a brief but inclusive historical survey of aging treatments, they present their own theoretical model of successful aging: Based on a carefully applied methodological review of research focusing on altruism and the elderly, the results reveal the relative frequency, nature, correlates, and ramifications of the contributions they make. Dispelling many of the misapprehensions held about the elderly, this work will prove to be a vital, timely resource for professionals and students in fields including gerontology, psychology, social work, sociology, counseling, and the health sciences.

Why are the elderly so often perceived as burdensome and unproductive members of our society? Altruism in Later Life explores and refutes this view with cogent, empirical data. Authors Elizabeth Midlarsky and Eva Kahana introduce the results of a series of investigations on assistance offered by--rather than to--the elderly, in the context of historical, philosophical, and theoretical trends in gerontology and altruism research. Following a brief but inclusive historical survey of aging treatments, they present their own theoretical model of successful aging: Based on a carefully applied methodological review of research focusing on altruism and the elderly, the results reveal the relative frequency, nature, correlates, and ramifications of the contributions they make. Dispelling many of the misapprehensions held about the elderly, this work will prove to be a vital, timely resource for professionals and students in fields including gerontology, psychology, social work, sociology, counseling, and the health sciences.

What impact does caring for an elderly parent have on the lives of middle-aged (and sometimes elderly) caregiving offspring? Does a relationship exist between the stress produced by dependency and the level of abuse toward a given elderly person? Reporting the long-awaited results of an extensive study by one of the leading authorities in this field, this volume examines these and other pertinent questions regarding this growing social problem. In addition, this volume addresses the intent behind so-called abuse treatment, the passive/active continuum of abuse, and the relationship between perceived success or failure of the caregiving and the amount of abuse. Elder Abuse and Family Care is must reading for both professionals and students in the areas of family violence, family studies, criminology, psychology, and aging. "This fine study by Steinmetz and her colleagues gives substance to what we were only glimpsing three or more decades ago and, further, focuses 'on the relationship between increased levels of dependency, stress, and feelings of burden and elder abuse.' . . . There are numerous commendable features to the Steinmetz study. There are, for example, abundant, illustrative, verbatim quotes that give caretakers of elders a chance to express their feeling-states and conceptualizations about their situations. . . . In sum, there is much to be gained from [this study] for both those who are professionally concerned about gerontologic and geriatric research on support systems for elders and those who are lay persons who are in need of understanding what the passage of time does to person to whom we are closely related or care about." --International Social Science Review "The author offers valuable information to researchers, counselors, and clinicians working with 'generationally-inverse' families or individuals responsible for elder abuse." --Family Violence Bulletin "There is much to be gained from the Steinmetz study for both those who are professionally concerned about gerontologic and geriatric research on support systems for elders and those who are lay persons who are in need of understanding what the passage of time does to a person to whom we are closely related or care about. Implicit in context are the need for larger social systems than families to offer more than lip service to elder citizens, as well as the need for individuals to anticipate inevitable aging and what strategies maximize life satisfaction for themselves and their kin." --International Social Science Review "Steinmetz's findings provide a dynamic picture of the complexities and realities involved in families caring for frail elderly. The work is well written, and clearly addresses a topic of growing interest and awareness in the U.S. today. Highly recommended. . . for graduate and undergraduate students in human services or related programs." --Choice "The work is timely. . . and well organized. Appendices include the study questionnaire, a discussion of research design issues, additional tables and findings from the service provider component of the study. These materials may be helpful to those planning studies of elder abuse in their own communities." --Contemporary Sociology "From the comments of the interviewees, which are generously sprinkled throughout the text, the reader obtains a very graphic and disturbing account of the burden and stress of caregiving." --Disability Studies Quarterly "Perhaps the most valuable information in this book is contained in the profuse citation of caregivers' interviews, which provides a wealth of insight into their feelings, perceived burdens, and predominantly successful coping strategies. . . provide[s] valuable insight into the caregiver's world." --CARES: Center for Aging Research and Educational Services "There is much to be gained from the Steinmetz study for both those who are professionally concerned about gerontologic and geriatric research on support systems for elders and those who are lay persons who are in need of understanding what the passage of time does to persons to whom we are closely related or care about." --International Social Science Review

During the past four decades, the field of development has been dominated by three schools of research. The 1950s saw the modernization school, the 1960s experienced the dependency school, the 1970s developed the new world-system school, and the 1980s is a convergence of all three schools. Alvin Y. So examines the dynamic nature of these schools of development--what each of them represents, their contributions, how they have criticized each other, how they have defended themselves, and how they were transformed. He reviews a variety of empirical studies, focusing on the "classical" and the "new" models, to show how each of the perspectives affects the study of development. In addition, this book features a unique emphasis on the research implications of the three perspectives, involving changes in orientation, agenda, methodology, and findings. Social Change and Development is the first study that compares the strengths and weaknesses of the three schools of development in a thorough, comprehensive manner. It will be of great interest to students and professionals in urban studies, development studies, political science and comparative politics. "Highly recommended." --Development Update "The book is valuable both to the beginners as well as the serious student of development ." -Indian Journal of Public Administration "The book will fill a needed niche, and better than anything heretofore." --Immanuel Wallerstein, SUNY, Binghamton "[The] book is a remarkable piece of work and will, I am sure, be of great service to many teachers and students in a number of fields." --Winston Davis, Southwestern University "Professor So has provided students of development with an excellent review of three major theories of development. He skillfully meets his goals of providing a sympathetic presentation of early expressions of each theory, reviewing major criticisms, and then presenting recent expressions of each theory that have taken criticisms into account. The use of extensive reviews of a few studies within each theory provides students with a clear image of the character of the theory, and more importantly an image of the link between theoretical development and social research. The book avoids unfair caricature of theories and research, and provides a solid basis for further study and research on issues of development." --Robert Fiala, University of New Mexico "The author has succeeded in objectively delineating each theoretical perspective so that the reader is not encumbered with attempting to separate academic theory from political ideology. This is no minor achievement and the author is to be applauded for both his efforts and his achievement of this task. . . . The book will be fascinating reading for anyone interested in the historical and contemporary functioning of nation-states and their interdependency." --Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling "I would like to pass along my compliments on So's new volume. The writing is exceptionally clear and the presentations superb." --Marc W. Steinberg, University of Michigan "A useful analysis of the major development theories. . . . A good text for students and teachers and the only study to address the research implications of the three development theories in a comprehensive fashion." --Development Bookshelf "An exceptionally useful book. . . . So's command of the relevant literature and ability to explain complex material, as well as his even-handed (even sympathetic) treatments of three quite different (and often antagonistic) schools, makes this stimulating book useful for a variety of audiences: scholars interested in problems of Third-World development, specialists in modern world history, and even advanced undergraduates ready to tackle problems of theory." --Journal of World History "Alvin So does a thorough job of presenting three ways to understand development. . . . The writing is clear and the territory covered is vast. The result is an impressive survey." --Contemporary Sociology "Alvin So does a thorough job of presenting three ways to understand development....So provides valuable extended summaries of early and later formulations within each perspective. The writing is clear and the territory covered is vast. The result is an impressive survey, with two main audiences: advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in a manageable overview of the field, and scholars in other fields who are interested but prefer not to retrace every step of these long and complex debates through the original texts....the book is generally balanced which is no small accomplishment." --Industrial and Labor Relations Review "Fills a gap in the social science literature in the field of development. . .useful not only for students but for faculty members teaching different courses in sociology, history, and political science. It may also be of interest to a wide and diverse non-professional audience wanting to know more of the past and contemporary research carried out by the three schools." --International Journal of Comparative Sociology

When a child has been sexually abused, where should a parent or guardian turn for treatment? What legal issues are involved when sexual abuse occurs? What impact does child sexual abuse have on family functioning? These are questions all parents, guardians, or counselors encounter during the initial stages of child sexual abuse. Child Sexual Abuse offers a wealth of information on available treatment programs, the impact of sexual abuse on the family, and other factors associated with abuse and treatment outcomes. This volume is based on the results of the Tufts study--that until now have not been readily available--describing the background of the study, the research framework, and the selection of the treatment sample. The authors then examine the nature of child sexual abuse, its initial effects, the myth of the mother as "accomplice," and the affects of abuse (18 months after disclosure). A final section presents conclusions and recommendations associated with the research, and appendixes detail the statistical test results. Researchers and practitioners will benefit from the important issues and information contained in Child Sexual Abuse. "This study was a pathbreaking one on the road to understanding the immediate impact of sexual abuse. It is a great welcome to have it available. It is indispensable to any researcher wishing to understand how sexual abuse affects children." --David Finkelhor, University of New Hampshire "The research described in the book is outstanding in its breadth and accessibility. . . . Readers will find this book to be immensely interesting and useful, whether they are researchers or clinicians." --Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett, University of New Hampshire "This book is worth reading." --Issues in Child Abuse Accusations "Offers a concise description of the development of child abuse theory, as well as interesting data on the ''kinds of children who are sexually abused, the nature and effects of the abuse, and the effects of crisis intervention.'' . . . There is a wealth of information succinctly presented." --Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "An impressive initial study in the field of child sexual abuse." --Archives of Sexual Behavior "The research in this book addresses the information needs of practitioners. Topics covered include: whether to remove a sexually abused child from the home where the abuse took place; whether intense psychotherapeutic treatment is needed for the victim or family; and whether to intervene at all (for the best interest of a child). The authors of this book referred to many experts in the field to compile the empirical research. This book is arranged in a manner which makes these findings easily accessible to the reader, whether the individual creates policies of frequently treats child sexual abuse cases. . . . for readers interested, the appendix gives complete statistical test results. Child Sexual Abuse is excellent for anyone working in this field or who is interested in gathering information about child sexual abuse. The trauma and impact sexual abuse has upon a child and the family is well addressed." --Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin "It contains a wealth of information about . . . the nature and effects of abuse. . . . This book is a useful data base." --Child Abuse Review

Increasingly, people are turning to the ballot box to decide questions of land use policy in many parts of the United States. Have the citizens lost faith in the decisions of their elected officials? Are they turning to the ballot box as a last resort or do they simply want to participate more in deciding matters that will impact their lives? In this timely volume, Roger Caves discusses how direct democracy has evolved in the United States, the reasons for its use in a land use planning context, and some of the legal issues surrounding its use. The topic of ballot box planning has never been treated in such detail as Caves does in this original examination. Case studies of Barnstable County, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; San Diego, California; and Seattle, Washington illustrate both successful and unsuccessful ballot measures concerned with land use issues. Political, socio-economic, and environmental concerns are profiled throughout the case studies. Professionals and students in public policy, American politics, urban studies, and planning will enjoy this insightful volume. "I found Cave's book an especially welcome contribution because it fills a significant gap in the literature on the relationship between direct democracy and growth management. It is the only book that I know of on the subject." --Journal of Planning Education and Research USED AS A WHOLE, THIS QUOTE IS REDUNDANT/CUT WHEN USING "Roger Caves' work describes the efforts of citizens to use direct democracy in growth management efforts. . . . The book is unique in both its focus on local, substate use of this tool, and in its analysis of the direct democracy movement as it applies to the regulatory processes of local government. . . . the book specifically addresses the issues and techniques used in the direct democracy movement as applied to growth management and land use. Organized in a progressive manner from general to specific, the book's structure enhances its usefulness. . . . highly readable. . . . It does aid in understanding the processes and tools of direct democracy and their applications in modern society. Further, the author puts to rest some of the myths surrounding the concept of voter activism." --APA Journal

Increasingly, people are turning to the ballot box to decide questions of land use policy in many parts of the United States. Have the citizens lost faith in the decisions of their elected officials? Are they turning to the ballot box as a last resort or do they simply want to participate more in deciding matters that will impact their lives? In this timely volume, Roger Caves discusses how direct democracy has evolved in the United States, the reasons for its use in a land use planning context, and some of the legal issues surrounding its use. The topic of ballot box planning has never been treated in such detail as Caves does in this original examination. Case studies of Barnstable County, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; San Diego, California; and Seattle, Washington illustrate both successful and unsuccessful ballot measures concerned with land use issues. Political, socio-economic, and environmental concerns are profiled throughout the case studies. Professionals and students in public policy, American politics, urban studies, and planning will enjoy this insightful volume. "I found Cave's book an especially welcome contribution because it fills a significant gap in the literature on the relationship between direct democracy and growth management. It is the only book that I know of on the subject." --Journal of Planning Education and Research USED AS A WHOLE, THIS QUOTE IS REDUNDANT/CUT WHEN USING "Roger Caves' work describes the efforts of citizens to use direct democracy in growth management efforts. . . . The book is unique in both its focus on local, substate use of this tool, and in its analysis of the direct democracy movement as it applies to the regulatory processes of local government. . . . the book specifically addresses the issues and techniques used in the direct democracy movement as applied to growth management and land use. Organized in a progressive manner from general to specific, the book's structure enhances its usefulness. . . . highly readable. . . . It does aid in understanding the processes and tools of direct democracy and their applications in modern society. Further, the author puts to rest some of the myths surrounding the concept of voter activism." --APA Journal

Rape--it's an all-too-familiar event in many women's lives. But what is being done to prevent its occurrence? How do victims deal with the trauma of rape? How are local agencies dealing with the increase of victims? How effective are available treatment programs? From the causes of rape to its lingering effects, from disclosure to treatment, The Rape Victim offers the most complete examination to date on this most heinous crime. The authors address the trauma of rape, prevention, rape as a community issue, rape crisis centers, date rape, clinical treatment of rape victims, and group treatment for survivors. Psychologists, mental health professionals, social workers, criminologists, nurses, and counselors will benefit from the wealth of information contained in this impressive volume. "Particularly recommended as supplemental reading for college programs on women's and social issues." --The Midwest Book Review "Excellent on incidence of rape, why federal statistics are flawed, the impact of rape on the victim, how society responds, how rape crisis centers evolved, offers empowerment and the best model for change, and how to lessen the trauma of rape. Techniques for therapeutic treatment are discussed including group treatment for survivors." --The Women's Advocate

This work makes a significant contribution to the literature on family process, structure, and well-being. It is a much-needed comparative analysis across marital status (married, divorced, remarried, and never-married women with children). Early chapters are particularly useful for introducing beginning students to the theoretical, conceptual, and policy issues at stake. Clear prose and well-labeled tables make the substantive chapters accessible to students but sacrifice none of the rigor of the analysis. This book provides a thorough review of the literature and systematically addresses a set of questions that are theoretically and politically significant, particularly in light of the continuing concern over the `demise' of the American family. It should enjoy a wide readership in family studies, social work, sociology, and psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. --Choice "The authors present the results of their comprehensive and sophisticated data analysis in a very readable style, accompanied by generous use of graphics and practical examples. The findings are presented in such a way that readers with less technical backgrounds can easily comprehend the study results. This book will serve as an excellent supplementary text in both undergraduate and graduate classes. Also, it will be a valuable resource for family life educators and researchers interested in pursuing these questions related to family structure." --Journal of Marriage and the Family How important is traditional family structure to the success of family relationships? With political rhetoric often substituting for credible information, leading family researchers Alan Acock and David Demo separate fact from fiction regarding this crucial policy concern. Based on the authoritative National Survey of Families and Households, the authors' work examines the four most common family types: two-parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families, and unwed mothers. Their meticulous analysis of the source material reveals myriad patterns, problems, and solutions not previously discerned, while addressing many familiar issues and assumptions with depth and clarity. Combining sophisticated explications, ample graphics, and practical examples, this volume has a great deal to offer professionals and researchers in family studies, sociology, psychology, interpersonal relationships, and gender studies at all levels.

In a unique comparative ethnography of two family therapy programs, Gubrium deftly shows how differing organizational perceptions make visible the social construction of domestic disorder. Contrasting images of home life--one viewing domestic order as a system of authority, the other as a configuration of emotional bonds--serve to highlight different senses of the family as being out of control and to recommend alternate forms of intervention. The idea that the reality of home life and domestic troubles are embedded in organizational activities and institutional images is an important commentary on the understanding of domestic life and the postmodern family. Out of Control provides stimulating reading for professionals and students in clinical psychology, family therapy, family studies, sociology, and qualitative methods.

In a unique comparative ethnography of two family therapy programs, Gubrium deftly shows how differing organizational perceptions make visible the social construction of domestic disorder. Contrasting images of home life--one viewing domestic order as a system of authority, the other as a configuration of emotional bonds--serve to highlight different senses of the family as being out of control and to recommend alternate forms of intervention. The idea that the reality of home life and domestic troubles are embedded in organizational activities and institutional images is an important commentary on the understanding of domestic life and the postmodern family. Out of Control provides stimulating reading for professionals and students in clinical psychology, family therapy, family studies, sociology, and qualitative methods.

The study of family stress has been dominated by the ABC-X model developed over several decades by Rueben Hill and other researchers. Now, the distinguished authors of this volume, along with a group of their colleagues and students, reexamine the theoretical literature in search of a better way of understanding stress and its management in families. They liberate their inquiry by setting aside traditional positivist notions in favor of a systematic paradigm--one that allows them to view stress as a multifaceted phenomenon with multiple causes and coping strategies. Then, using a series of qualitative and quantitative studies of different families in stress, they outline the various patterns of family responses to stress, the elements of the family system impacted by stressful events, and the helpfulness and harmfulness of management strategies in different families. The research and theory found in Reexamining Family Stress--and its implications for practitioners--is an important step forward in our understanding and dealing with families experiencing stress. "In Reexamining Family Stress, authors Wesley R. Burr, Shirly R. Klein, and associates present a systemic model of family stress that moves sharply away from the popular, positivist ABC-X models. Within this presentation, the authors include a comprehensive discussion of the theory upon which they build their model and of the outcome research they completed to answer the unique questions that emerged in the model's development." --Journal of Family Therapy "In Reexamining Family Stress, Wesley R. Burr, Shirley R. Klein, and associates offer the field a fresh perspective to family stress theory. Their book builds on the earlier theory building efforts by Robert Burr, using a systemic approach, and tests this refined theoretical approach with an empirical study. . . . The book makes a unique contribution to the family stress field." --Journal of Marriage and the Family "Highly recommended to professionals and students in the fields of health promotion, social work, and family and mental health in all settings (work, religious, community, provider, etc.). With a growing concern about the health of the family amidst the sea of potential family and societal stressors, this book offers many excellent insights and perspectives, and well-documented recommendations on some of the most effective coping strategies. Many of these strategies can be developed, nurtured, and strengthened throughout life allowing all members of the family to be better prepared when family (or life) stressors are encountered. Even if stressors are minimal, many of these same strategies are good for building strong, thriving families and individuals. This is a book well worth the reading!" --American Journal of Health Promotion