Jack Spencer
Associate Professor
// Sociology
Emeriti Faculty
Office and Contact
Email: jspencer@purdue.edu
Ph.D., Indiana University (1983)
Specialization
public discourse and social problems; deviance and social control
Dr. Spencer joined the Purdue faculty in 1989. He studies public discourse about social problems. His most recent work comprises two threads - how the mass media talked about youth violence in the 1990s and how they talked about homelessness in the 1980s and early 1990s. His recent book is titled The Paradox of Youth Violence. He has been an active member in professional sociological societies, most notably the Society for the Study of Social Problems and the Midwest Sociological Society – presenting papers, presiding over sessions, and serving on committees.