ABSTRACT
The theoretical and research formulations in the sociology of deviance are cast within the general framework of social and cultural differentiation, deviance and social control. Research into the problem has led some sociologists into the field of actuarial statistics and others to social and depth psychology to investigate differences in individual 'adaptation' to the social-cultural environment. The argument is that insofar as the definitions of deviant behavior incorporated in the official statistics are not 'sociologically relevant', such statistics are in principle 'inappropriate' for sociological research. The rates are constructed from the statistics compiled by specifiable organizations, and those rates must be explained in terms of the deviant-processing activities of those organizations. Statistics are affected by such 'accommodations in the conviction process'. Some offenders are excluded because they are not processed even though known to be guilty, and the practice of re-labeling offenses and reducing sentences because of insufficient evidence, 'deals', and tricks.
