Oral History and Delinquency: The Rhetoric of Criminology - Hardcover

Bennett, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0226042456 ISBN 13: 9780226042459

Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr, 1982

Synopsis

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 this title

About the Author:

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0226042456
• ISBN 13: 9780226042459
• Binding: Hardcover