Description
1923 edition. Hardcover has significant wear, scuffs, small marks, stains and small tears. No dust jacket. Spine has significant reading creases and wear, small tears on top and bottom. Pages have some marks and small tears on some pages but largely are clean and the binding is secure.
This well-worn copy of William I. Thomas’s “The Unadjusted Girl” is a fascinating artifact from the early 20th century, when the field of criminology was emerging and sociologists were grappling with the complex interplay of gender, deviance, and societal norms. Published in 1923 as part of the “Criminal Science Monograph” series, this groundbreaking work challenged prevailing notions of female delinquency by examining the lived experiences of young women in conflict with the law.
Thomas, a pioneering figure in the Chicago School of Sociology, employed a case study approach, meticulously documenting the stories of “unadjusted girls” and analyzing their behaviors through the lens of social psychology. His empathetic yet rigorous methodology shed light on the societal pressures, economic hardships, and familial dynamics that often precipitated criminal acts, offering a nuanced counterpoint to the moralizing rhetoric of the time.
While the book’s language and perspectives may reflect the biases of its era, it remains a significant milestone in the development of criminological theory and the recognition of gender as a critical factor in understanding deviant behavior. This well-preserved copy, with its visible signs of use, is a testament to the enduring impact of Thomas’s work and its relevance to scholars, collectors, and anyone interested in the history of social sciences and the evolution of our understanding of human behavior.
