Howard S. Becker
A leading figure in the sociology of deviance, known for his labeling theory and studies of subcultures and art worlds.
Quotes by Howard S. Becker
To understand art, you have to understand the social organization that produces it.
The idea of the 'artist' is a social construct.
The meaning of a work of art is not inherent in the object itself, but is created through social interaction.
The most important thing about research is to be curious.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the learning process.
The best way to learn is by doing.
Sociology is not about finding universal laws, but about understanding particular situations.
The sociologist's task is to make the familiar strange, and the strange familiar.
The world is not as it appears to be.
The most interesting things happen at the margins.
The study of deviance is the study of social control.
The rules that define deviance are not neutral; they reflect the interests of those who make them.
The process of labeling is a powerful force in shaping individual identity.
The sociologist should be a 'troublemaker' in the best sense of the word, questioning assumptions and challenging conventional wisdom.
The world is a complex place, and we should not expect simple answers.
The best research is often messy and unpredictable.
The sociologist's job is to describe, not to judge.
The world is made up of people doing things together, and that's what sociology is about.
The study of social life is an ongoing conversation.
The most important thing a researcher can do is to listen.