READ THE FORWARD BY DR. DAVID LEONARD HERE
Race, Gender, and Deviance in Xbox Live provides a much-needed theoretical framework for examining deviant behavior and deviant bodies within one of the largest virtual gaming communities―Xbox Live. Previous research on video games has focused mostly on violence and examining violent behavior resulting from consuming this medium. This limited scope has skewed criminologists' understanding of video games and video game culture. Xbox Live has proven to be more than just a gaming platform for users. It has evolved into a multimedia entertainment outlet for more than 20 million users. This book examines the nature of social interactions within Xbox Live, which are often riddled with deviant behavior, including but not limited to racism and sexism. The text situates video games within a hegemonic framework deploying whiteness and masculinity as the norm. The experiences of the marginalized bodies are situated within the framework of deviance as they fail to conform to the hegemonic norm and become victims of racism, sexism, and other types of harassment.

REVIEWS OF RACE, GENDER, & DEVIANCE IN XBOX LIVE

Tressie M. Cottom

Race, Gender and Deviance in Xbox Live” is an important contribution to the sociology of race in the digital era. The significance is clear from the outset.

Apryl Williams

​In Race, Gender, and Deviance in Xbox Live, Gray offers a thoughtful analysis of the ramifications of race and gender in virtual spaces, particularly in gaming communities.​

Bertan Buyokozturk

Building on previous research
regarding race and technology, this book provides a much needed intersectional approach to virtual gaming communities.​