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Defining crime and deviant behavior is challenging, especially in today’s rapidly changing society. Norms are frequently violated and redefined, while new ones struggle to take hold, creating a state of anomie. Technological advancements further complicate these shifts, accelerating change and presenting new challenges. This research reviews traditional models of deviance and crime, revealing their limitations in the current context. It introduces a new model that focuses on provable harm and affirmative consent as key criteria for defining deviance and crime. By using these criteria, the model seeks to reduce cultural bias and encourage consensus. The note concludes by exploring how this model helps us understand deviance and crime today, particularly in relation to the impact of technology on societal norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines online comments (n = 455) of news articles about sexual assault shared by local news outlets in a rural area of the Deep South to determine the degree to which rape myth acceptance (RMA) is upheld and/or challenged. We found approximately two-thirds of the comments upheld traditional rape myths while one-third focused on supporting the victim and holding the alleged perpetrator accountable. The data also demonstrate the importance of cultural context of the Deep South in shaping the content of rape myths. These findings can be used to guide context-specific education programs that challenge rape myths and elevate community support for victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the primary agent of social control in strip clubs: the bouncer. It discusses the bouncer’s various roles, including gatekeeping, controlling patron behavior, managing dancer behavior in different club settings, and enforcing all rules of conduct. Additionally, it explores lesser-known roles that generate income for both bouncers and dancers, such as the relationship between rules and bouncer behavior, and the scheduling of regular clients for exotic dancers. The research is based on over 200 interviews conducted with bouncers and dancers at all levels of clubs between 1993 and 2023 across several states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, most research on LGBTQ+ individuals and communities tends to be based in metropolitan areas of the United States, largely in New York and California. This research analyzes data from 23 white LGBTQ+ individuals in the Deep South through the lens of Durkheim's mechanical and organic solidarity. We argue that experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the rural south resemble the characteristics of Durkheim's mechanical solidarity and analyzing their experiences through this lens will help us better understand how LGBTQ+ people in rural/non-metropolitan areas across the Deep South negotiate and resist being labeled deviant in small, isolated, homogeneous communities. We found that for some, the strongly held beliefs of rigid normative conformity was oppressive. However, for others, they were able to bond with likeminded people in their community and were accepted because of mechanical solidarity. Though oppressive experiences remain a feature of being LGBTQ+ in the Deep South, some respondents reported positive experiences and commented on increasing acceptance and tolerance in some areas. Finally, findings indicate while in some ways it is difficult or impossible to eschew the label of deviant, some LGBTQ+ individuals value rural living and can negotiate, resist, and thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The music entertainment industry is very influential in creating/extending conversation around social issues and controversies. This paper examines the influence that musicians have over the understanding of gender norms and queerness. Specifically, this paper will highlight the musician by the name of Prince. His reign of funk and sensuality challenged the view of gender and sexuality; the coupling of masculinity and queerness. Three areas of Prince will be examined for evidence of queerness: physical appearance, song, and performance. The fluid stage set for prince's masculinity boundary challenge will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]