Death of Howard Becker, sociologist of deviance – Liberation

“A very great sociologist is leaving us. Bye Howard S. Becker (1928-2023).” This Thursday, August 17, the French Sociology Association announced on X (ex-Twitter) the death of American sociologist Howard S. Becker. A sacred monster of the discipline, the professor cut his teeth with members of the Chicago School, among others Ernest Burgess, Everett Hughes and Herbert Blumer.

He made a name for himself in particular through his innovative approach to the sociology of deviance with the publication ofUnderdogs, published in 1963. Fruit of its investigations in the medium of the musicians of jazz, in particular with the smokers of marijuana, the work shows that the deviance is not a state but a process. According to Becker, the “deviants” are built during the various interactions between their associations and the people responsible for enforcing the norms – social, legal or cultural. This new approach, called symbolic interactionism, renews a sociological reading that integrates any transgression of a cultural or social norm and not only legally sanctioned acts.

Many awards

Passionate about music – he had a career as a jazz pianist – Howard Becker is also interested in the sociology of professions through the study of “worlds of art”. In particular, it establishes a link between work and art and demonstrates that the artistic worlds can be the object of a sociological analysis in terms of the division of tasks and roles that govern the sector.

Internationally renowned, his work has inspired a generation of sociologists, particularly in France where he has received numerous awards. “The immense Howard Becker has passed away. […] To read it is to want to follow it in the field!” was moved on Twitter by Hadrien Clouet, LFI deputy and sociologist.