Howard Becker obituary: Offbeat sociologist and pianist who wrote an early paper on the use of marijuana and later focused his studies on “criminal, crazy, perverted and unethical” behaviours
A sociologist, he challenged conventional thinking on matters as diverse as deviance, art making and marijuana use. He found a particular following in France.
Howard S. Becker, an eminent American sociologist who brought his wide-ranging curiosity, sharp observation and dry wit to subjects as diverse as the art world, marijuana use and the meaning of deviance, died Wednesday at his home in San Francisco. He was 95.