An exploratory study of deviance in the Athabasca oil sands area

• Main Author: Johnson, H. L.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: 1979
• Subjects: droit; hist; Fort McMurray
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7939/R3KW57M5C; https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/cf9e52ae-f351-4c9e-b742-07b768e5d642

The purpose of this study is to assess, on the basis of existing knowledge, the extent and significance of social deviance in the communities of the Athabasca Oil Sands region. Three main sources of information are considered: literature on social deviance in resource communities; existing data on social deviance in the Athabasca Oil Sands region; and data from interviews with field staff. The results are presented in a format attempting to provide answers to the questions: what is happening? why is it happening? is it positive or negative? what can be done about it? Much of the report covers the first question and includes secondary general data on resource communities and on such aspects as the Boom Town phenomenon, alcohol and drug abuse, and crime and deliquency. References are made to the Athabasca Oil Sands region, and to the statistics on crimes committed, and juvenile court cases in Fort McMurray. Because of the lack of specific data, the report does not compare the extent of problems experienced in the Athabasca Oil Sands region with that experienced in other communities. It recommends further research to supplement the existing data.