Oral History and Delinquency - The Rhetoric of Criminology

From Henry Mayhew's classic study of Victorian slums to Studs Terkel's presentations of ordinary people in modern America, oral history has been used to call attention to social conditions. By analyzing the nature and circumstances of the production of such histories of delinquency, James Bennett argues that oral history is a rhetorical device, consciously chosen as such, and is to be understood in terms of its persuasive powers and aims. Bennett shows how oral or life histories of juvenile delinquents have been crucial in communicating the human traits of offenders within their social context, to attract interest in resources for programs to prevent delinquency. Although life history helped to establish the discipline of sociology, Bennett suggests concepts for understanding oral histories generated in many fields.

About the author

James Bennett is Coordinator of Foundation Relations, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Product details

• Authors: James Bennett, Bennett James
• Publisher: University Presses
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 15.01.1988
• EAN: 9780226042466
• ISBN: 978-0-226-04246-6
• No. of pages: 380
• Dimensions: 16 mm x 23 mm x 2 mm
• Weight: 567 g
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Media science; Media Studies, PSYCHOLOGY / Psychopathology / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Criminology, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Media Studies, Criminal or forensic psychology, Causes & Prevention Of Crime, Causes and prevention of crime