Sex, Scams, and Street Life: The Sociology of New York City's Times Square [Paperback]

Robert P. McNamara (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0275953599 | ISBN-13: 978-0275953591

For more than 60 years, Times Square has reigned as one of New York's premiere tourist attractions. In recent years, an average of 20 million people visit New York City, and Times Square is a sight most do not miss. The reason for this is that Times Square holds something for everyone: theaters, restaurants, entertainment, and a transportation center that brings almost 400,000 people into the city every day. For a sociologist interested in studying crime and the ways in which deviant networks and communities emerge, Times Square offers numerous opportunities. Because large segments of these groups pride themselves on anonymity, many researchers employ ethnographic research methods. The articles in this manuscript focus on the various aspects of Time Square using the ethnographic approach. The topics include the sex trade, drugs and drug dealing, recent redevelopment efforts, the social ecology of Times Square, and a discussion of police operations in this marketplace.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is a very valuable contribution on one of the best known but least understood urban scenes in the United States. This book looks at the street life of Times Square from many different angles and perspectives, which allows the reader to go behind the scenes and observe the sociology of urban life. The book is particularly strong in detailing the ethnographic method that is enjoying a resurgence in sociology. For that reason, this book will be useful in a research methods class to give students a view of the richness of qualitative method.”–John Fuller Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice West Georgia College

“Its complete treatment of Times Square informs those of us who seek to revitalize our urban centers and provides us with a remarkable breadth of experience and vision that can be applied elsewhere. Students of sociology, planning, political science, criminal justice, social work, and history will all benefit from this well-written and coherent treatment of our nation's most salient urban symbol.”–Kirk W. Elifson Professor of Sociology, Georgia State University

About the Author

ROBERT P. MCNAMARA is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Furman University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Paperback (November 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275953599
• ISBN-13: 978-0275953591
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,002,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have for anyone interested in sexual/social deviance., October 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sex, Scams, and Street Life: The Sociology of New York City's Times Square (Hardcover)

In reading McNamara's book, I believe that he captured the essence of what street life really is. I was fortunate enough to take a class from McNamara on Sexual Deviance and in his lectures and writings, he stresses that our perception is our reality. It is very easy to see how the folks that the world terms as "deviant" become that way. . .The images portrayed in the book are poignant and believable.