NEWS Release

DR. ADAMS PUBLISHES SOCIOLOGICAL BOOK
ON DEADHEAD SUBCULTURE IN AMERICA

GREENSBORO — Dr. Rebecca G. Adams, professor of sociology at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, has co-edited a collection of academic studies of Deadhead subculture in America.

"Deadhead Social Science: You Ain't Gonna Learn What You Don't Want to Know," (AltaMira Press, 2000) is a collection of works by students who have examined the cultural phenomenon during the last decade. Adams has edited out much of the technical jargon and statistical tables, resulting in a readable presentation, designed to engage the lay reader and sociology scholar alike.

To study the subculture, Adams and co-editor Robert Sardiello, one of Adams' former students, use a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives, not only from the field of sociology, but also from American studies, anthropology, educational psychology, folklore, religious studies, and social work. Whatever the topic covered, method used, or theoretical perspective applied, each chapter takes the reader "on tour" for the first time -- or on a trip home.
Illustrated with black and white photos, the book also offers a substantial introduction by Adams and a conclusion by Sardiello.

Adams became a mentor and inspiration to many sociology students when she took her class on tour with the west coast rock 'n' roll band, the Grateful Dead, in the summer of 1989 to teach field research methodology. The subjects of their sociological research were the loyal following of "Deadheads," many of whom would forsake jobs and school for months or weeks at a time to follow the band as it toured. Deadhead subculture reached its zenith in the 1980s. The Grateful Dead disbanded in 1995, following the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, but the Deadhead community still gathers to listen to music of other bands.

Though the course lasted just one summer, it sparked international publicity and inspired ongoing scholarly interest in the subculture's cohesiveness and ability to spontaneously recreate a community at each venue. Many theses and dissertations have resulted, and students of Deadhead culture from all over the country often contact Adams at some point during their research.
"Deadhead Social Science" represents some of the best student work that has been done on the subject, Adams said. Topics include music, identity and self-concept of Deadheads, spirituality within the Deadhead community, vending at Dead shows and community reaction to the shows.

The book was undertaken in part to honor the many students who have taken an interest in the subject over the years, and to contribute to understanding the cultural phenomenon, Adams said.

Adams' research specialties are friendship patterns and aging. She is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, a charter fellow of the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education, and is past president of the Southern Sociological Society. Adams has served on the editorial boards of four professional journals and has written numerous books, journal articles, book chapters, book reviews and technical reports.

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