Wayward Puritans: A Study in the Sociology of Deviance

by Kai Theodor Erikson

"Kai T. Erikson uses the Puritan settlement in 17th-century Massachusetts as a setting in which to examine several ideas about deviant behavior in society. Combining sociology & history, he draws on Bay Colony records to illustrate the way in which deviant behavior fits in the texture of social life generally. The main argument of Wayward Puritans is that deviant forms of behavior are often a valuable resource in society, providing a point of contrast, which is necessary for the maintenance of a coherent social order. His deep appreciation of the ritual dimensions of social life remains a refreshing alternative to rational-choice reductionism. & for social scientists who have recently discovered symbolic boundaries, the idea was already here. My advice to each new cohort of aspiring social observers: read Wayward Puritans.”--Robert Wuthnow, Princeton Univ. (edited)
"Wayward Puritans is a true sociological classic. Kai Erikson has produced a brilliant theory of social deviance as well as one of the most remarkable attempts to identify boundaries as a critical sociological phenomenon. One of the most spectacular products of the Durkheimian tradition, this is sociology at its best.”--Eviatar Zerubavel, Rutgers Univ.
“Sociological classics speak to all people at all times about the social condition of humanity. For almost 40 years, Wayward Puritans has thrown light on that condition. In the new millennium we need that light, for our moral boundaries have shifted radically. Kai Erikson's classic helps explain those shifts, &, explaining them, relates the state of our society to our own moral dilemmas. It is a great book that speaks to us more loudly & clearly today than ever before.”--Barry Schwartz, Univ. of Georgia
“Boundary crises come in all flavors. This book describes both the Puritan instance & the general theory. Erikson came up with a fundamental discovery of human life. It's a great theory & a great book, as important now as when it 1st came out.”--Albert J. Bergesen, Univ. of Arizona

Genres: History, Sociology, Nonfiction, American History, Religion, Social Science, Americana

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Alexiiis · Rating 5 out of 5]

questo libro mi ha preso moltissimo, super interessante.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cory introduced me to her friend Mimi at the Ennui Cafe in East Rogers Park, Chicago. At the time Mimi was still in college, leading us into conversations about what she was researching. Kai Erikson's Wayward Puritans was recommended to me in this context.

Reading Rose's classic study of medieval European witchcraft, A Razor for a Goat, had put me in the mood, so, upon finishing that, I picked up the Erikson book which had been sitting on the shelves for years, thinking to extend my knowledge of witchcraft crazes, this time in the colonial American setting.

Erikson's book was more than I'd expected. Not only is it a description of this rather late occurring craze, but it is also an introduction to an important aspect of sociological thinking. For a text based on a doctoral dissertation, this one is unusually good.

[Frances Mican · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives uses an excellent mixture of historical information and a sociological perspective to look at Puritan society in early New England. Erikson focuses on the Salem Witch Trials as well as other examples of "crime waves" in the colonies, when societal deviance was at very high levels. Erikson explores these occurrences from a sociological background, focusing on why these societies were structured in a way that led to such extreme examples of crime and punishment. Not only does this book look closely at these specific issues, it also considers why deviance takes place within society, and how early Puritan attitudes have shaped American views towards deviance.
All in all, this book was better than I expected.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I read for one of my classes at Arizona State University. First of all, I found my class extremely fascinating. It was called "Political Deviance and the Law." This book is a study of why the Puritans were the way they were. He goes through the incidences of the Antinomian heretics, Quakers, and witches that showed up in the Puritan society in the 1600's. The author mixes a historical and sociological view to tell the story. It was an easy read and I was gripped through almost every chapter.

[Rev. Sharon Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like others, I read this book for college. Over the years, I have mentioned this book again and again to people in the course of everyday conversation. Erikson's study illustrates that in any group of people, a deviant or outsider group will be established. There is no "normal" or "perfect." It seems to be a human tendency to want to separate rather than unify, and just being aware of that fact is critical to understanding human nature.

[ThienVinh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for anyone who's interested in the sociology of deviant behavior, since it looks at how deviant behavior isn't static and inherent. A great application of Durkheimian sociology as well.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly interesting read and sociological take on why witchcraft and other various forms of deviance took place in early America.

[David Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

bloody brilliant

[Denise Kettering · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book, although dated at this point, to have a really interesting premise and data in a very readable manner. This book describes the patterns of social deviancy found in New England during the 17th century in order to show how the community chose to define itself over and against deviant patterns. The book combines sociology and history to discuss the ways that deviant behavior functioned in the early American colonies, particularly in Massachusetts. Erikson argues that deviant forms of behavior had value in social maintenance, drawing here strongly on Durkheim's work. He then moves into more specific cases, such as the treatment of Quakers, the Antinomian controversy, and the Salem Witch trials as case studies of the points that he is trying to make. Overall, this book offered an interesting look into these events in a very approachable way.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the most influential books I've ever read

[Karen]

Interesting take on the remnants of Puritanism still abundant and active in our American society today.

[Natalie Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for school :(

[Birdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting material, but you need a life supply of Aderal to stay awake in order to finish it. The reason I rate it so low is because it is incredibly boring! I read it has a requirement for one of my sociology classes, and the information is extremely important and interesting, but it is very dense to get through. That being said, I have found myself constantly making connections and references to this book, so I am assuming it made an impression. However, I still hold that the most I got from this text was 1) explained in the first chapter and 2) needed a mentor/professor to help get through all the text.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was one of the first books I read during my major in Human Development and Social Relations in college. Began my "paradigm shift" and totally realigned my definition of evil and deviance and its place in society. Recommended for social science or psychology majors or people interested in the social sciences.

[Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book covers an important topic, dissent within 17th century New England, but does so from a typical secular perspective. It is not a book that I would recommend as an introduction to the American Puritans.

[Resa Boydston · Rating 2 out of 5]

i had to read this book for my Sociology of Deviance class. it kinda started slow; but it was a very interesting read. it filled in a lot of the empty parts that you dont learn in history class.

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message in this book is one of extraordinary urgency in these times. I wish there was an updated version issued of this classic.

[Mikaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this in a graduate seminar, finally finished it. Excellent sociohistorical account of the Puritans' attitudes toward crime and punishment, with some brief but compelling musings on the reflections of those attitudes in contemporary American life (circa the 60's, but...).