Conservative Criminology serves as an important counterpoint to virtually every other academic text on crime. Hundreds of books have been written about crime and criminal justice policy from a variety of perspectives, including Marxist, liberal, progressive, feminist, radical, and post-modernist. To date, however, no book has been written outlining a conservative perspective on crime and criminal justice policy. Not a polemic against liberalism, Conservative Criminology nonetheless focuses on how liberal ideology affects the study of crime and criminals and the policies that criminologist advocate. Wright and DeLisi, both senior scholars, give a voice to a major political philosophy—a philosophy often demonized by academics—and to conservatives in the academic world. In the end, Conservative Criminology calls for an investment in intellectual diversity, a respect for varying political philosophies, and a renewed commitment to honesty in scholarship. The authors encourage debate in the profession about the proper role of ideology in the academy and in public policies on crime and justice. Conservative Criminology is for the criminal justice professional and student. It serves as a stimulating supplement to courses in criminology and criminal justice, as well as a primary text for special issues or capstone courses. This book supports the reader in recognizing ideological biases, whatever they might be, and in considering their own convictions.
Superman, Batman, Daredevil, and Wonder Woman are iconic cultural figures that embody values of order, fairness, justice, and retribution. Comic Book Crime digs deep into these and other celebrated characters, providing a comprehensive understanding of crime and justice in contemporary American comic books. This is a world where justice is delivered, where heroes save ordinary citizens from certain doom, where evil is easily identified and thwarted by powers far greater than mere mortals could possess. Nickie Phillips and Staci Strobl explore these representations and show that comic books, as a historically important American cultural medium, participate in both reflecting and shaping an American ideological identity that is often focused on ideas of the apocalypse, utopia, retribution, and nationalism. Through an analysis of approximately 200 comic books sold from 2002 to 2010, as well as several years of immersion in comic book fan culture, Phillips and Strobl reveal the kinds of themes and plots popular comics feature in a post-9/11 context. They discuss heroes’ calculations of “deathworthiness,” or who should be killed in meting out justice, and how these judgments have as much to do with the hero’s character as they do with the actions of the villains. This fascinating volume also analyzes how class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation are used to construct difference for both the heroes and the villains in ways that are both conservative and progressive. Engaging, sharp, and insightful, Comic Book Crime is a fresh take on the very meaning of truth, justice, and the American way.
The Fourth Edition of this highly acclaimed book expands on previous editions with coverage of newly emerged theories and empirical updates supported by a significant amount of new references. Criminological Theory provides coverage of the latest theories in the field without diminishing the presentation of classic analysis. Major theoretical perspectives that have developed from both recent critical work and traditional schools, together with practical applications, compel the reader to apply theories to the contemporary social milieu.
This two-volume set is designed to serve as a reference source for anyone interested in the roots of contemporary criminological theory. Drawing together a team of international scholars, it examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them, presenting them in a context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses. The work provides essays on cutting-edge research as well as concise, to-the-point definitions of key concepts, ideas, schools, and figures. Topics include contexts and concepts in criminological theory, the social construction of crime, policy implications of theory, diversity and intercultural contexts, conflict theory, rational choice theories, conservative criminology, feminist theory, and more. Key ThemesThe Classical School of CriminologyThe Positivist School of CriminologyEarly American Theories of CrimeBiological and Biosocial Theories of CrimePsychological Theories of CrimeThe Chicago School of CriminologyCultural and Learning Theories of CrimeAnomie and Strain Theories of Crime and DevianceControl Theories of CrimeLabeling and Interactionist Theories of CrimeTheories of the Criminal SanctionConflict, Radical, and Critical Theories of CrimeFeminist and Gender-Specific Theories of CrimeChoice and Opportunity Theories of CrimeMacro-Level/ Community Theories of CrimeLife-Course and Developmental Theories of CrimeIntegrated Theories of CrimeTheories of White-Collar and Corporate CrimeContemporary Gang TheoriesTheories of Prison Behavior and InsurgencyTheories of Fear and Concern About Crime
"Anything that takes away from the terminally off key karaoke of so much that passes for theory in criminology is to be welcomed, and this is a fine effort to connect the study of crime and control to an innovative set of theoretical possibilities. A rip-roaring read that slaughters some sacred cows while throwing the odd baby out with the bath water." - Richard Hobbs, University of Essex "Boldly tackles big questions that the discipline has lately been unable or unwilling to confront. Steve Hall′s compelling and original book should help to restart a crucial discussion about the connections between crime and an increasingly volatile and predatory global social order." - Elliott Currie, University of California, Irvine "This erudite and original book synthesizes a dazzling array of thought and evidence to interrogate criminological theory′s dominant conservative and liberal perspectives... This reviewer is left with a sense of criminological theory′s tiredness of intellectual ambition and scope, while Hall′s book leaves a sense of rejuvenation and excitement." - Colin Webster, British Journal of Criminology "A beautifully written, accessible and yet theoretically rigorous piece of writing that should be read by everyone interested in crime, law and social order. The book should be read with an open mind and as a genuine response to the suffocating inability of criminology to free itself from the century old slanging-match between its liberal and conservative wings." - Simon Winlow, University of York Steve Hall uses cutting-edge philosophy and social theory to analyse patterns of crime and harm and illuminate contemporary criminological issues. He provides a fresh, relevant critique of the philosophical and political underpinnings of criminological theory and the theoretical canon′s development during the twentieth century, and applies new Continental philosophy to the criminological problem. Unmatched in its sophistication yet written in a clear, accessible style, this dynamic and highly engaging book is essential reading for all students, researchers and academics working in criminology, sociology, social policy, politics and the social sciences in general.
This book explores the role of theory and research in criminology. Adopting a unique and refreshing approach to criminological theory, it focuses on the great debates in criminology from its inception as a field to the present day. It explores the debates that have motivated criminological thought, that have represented turning points in theoretical and empirical trajectories, that have offered mini-paradigm shifts, and that have moved the field forward. Coverage includes: Classical debates, including the work of Lombroso, Durkheim, and Sutherland; Sociological vs. psychological debates in criminology; Control theory and cultural deviance theory; Criminal career and trait-based theory; Theory testing in criminology; Critical theories in criminology; Debates on the state of criminology and criminal justice; Policy issues in criminology. Each chapter explores several key debates, summarizes key points, and offers a discussion of the current empirical status. This book is novel in emphasising the role of debate in criminology and offering an enlightening synthesis of theorists and their perspectives. It is essential reading for students taking courses on criminological theory and teachers of those theories.
`If the First Edition was an invaluable guide for students, the Second is well nigh indispensable. I can think of no better starting point for those wanting a "quick fix" on any given criminological topic' - Professor Tony Jefferson, Keele University `Since its initial publication in 2001, I've steadfastly kept The SAGE Dictionary of Criminology within easy reach of my desk, referring to it countless times in writing articles, books, and lectures. I've found it to be a remarkable book - a comprehensive dictionary, certainly, but as much so a significant achievement in intellectual inquiry. It may seem odd to say of a dictionary, but it really is one of my favourite books; the only book that can replace it on my deskside bookshelf is this Second Edition, whose new entries confirm the editors' grasp of contemporary criminology in all its excitement and complexity' - Professor Jeff Ferrell, Texas Christian University `The welcome inclusion of entries on contemporary theoretical and policy concerns ranging from Anti Social Behaviour, Eco crime and Emotions through Forensic Anthropology, Globalisation, Governance and Mentoring to Sex Crime, Virtual Criminology and What Works?, adds to the well established strengths of the first edition. The entries, all written by established scholars, provide a clear, concise and critical introduction to criminological concepts and constitute an invaluable resource for all criminology students and academics' - Professor Hazel Croall, Glasgow Caledonian University 'It is unusual for a dictionary to be interesting, but this one manages to be both compelling and useful for faculty and students across a range of disciplines and orientations who are commonly interested in criminology. The SAGE Dictionary of Criminology is also distinctive in providing a literally encyclopaedic compendium of information that has been carefully placed in social, cultural and political contexts.' - Professor Lynn Chancer, Hunter College, City University of New York `The list of new entries is quite impressive. Once you've read them, you start to wonder how come that the First Edition of The SAGE Dictionary of Criminology already felt so complete' - Dr René van Swaaningen, Erasmus University, Rotterdam `Thoughtful evaluations of the key concepts criminologists must think about by quality contributors who include many of the world's leading criminologists' - Professor John Braithwaite, Australian National University The Second Edition of the bestselling SAGE Dictionary of Criminology is the ultimate reference tool for students of criminology and criminal justice. It provides an accessible introduction to key theories, concepts and topics, offering comprehensive guidance through the field. The editors have brought together a group of internationally prominent academics and practitioners to produce this definitive reference and research tool. Each entry contains: " a definition of the concept or topic " distinctive features offering detailed comment on the concept's origins, development and general significance " evaluation of those concepts considered to have greatest theoretical weight and lasting legacy " associated concepts for cross-referencing and mapping connections across various fields and issues " key readings to enable the student to take their knowledge further The new edition contains thirty-six new entries covering subjects such as anti-social behaviour, globalization, human trafficking and terrorism. Selected entries have been revised and updated. This comprehensive text is the essential reference point for all students of criminology and criminal justice, at all levels. Praise for the First Edition `The compilers have done criminology a tremendous service. This dictionary is an invaluable resource for students and teachers and I'm certain will be a key reference work for years to come' - Professor Tim Newburn, London School of Economics `Great dictionaries inform, intrigue and investigate. McLaughlin and Muncie's perceptive collection does all three. The SAGE Dictionary of Criminology is wide and accessible enough to interest anyone concerned with crime, the law and the panoply of issues and explanations that surround them. This admirable volume will inform, guide and contribute to debates in the years ahead' - Ellis Cashmore, Professor of Culture, Media and Sport, Staffordshire University, author of Dictionary of Race and Ethnic Relations and co-editor of Dictionary of Cultural Theorists `McLaughlin and Muncie have assembled an impressive list of international contributors and have succeeded in putting together a wonderfully entertaining book... the Dictionary belongs on every criminologist's bookshelf' - Professor George Mair, Liverpool John Moores University (Criminal Justice: An International Journal 2:2) `The main strength of the project... lies in its attempts at integration of a wide range of themes and theoretical perspectives under one set of covers' - Professor John Raine, University of Birmingham (Youth Justice 2:1) `There is a genuine international feel to the compilation as a whole.... Nowadays, such has criminology grown, it is barely possible to keep up even in a narrowly defined sub-field, and a new dictionary is essential. Anyway, we will all have to read it because our students will. What a relief that it is such a pleasure to do so' - Jason Ditton, University of Sheffield (British Journal of Criminology 43:2)
This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to criminological theory for students taking courses in criminology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Building on previous editions, this book presents the latest research and theoretical developments. The text is divided into five parts, the first three of which address ideal type models of criminal behaviour: the rational actor, predestined actor and victimized actor models. Within these, the various criminological theories are located chronologically in the context of one of these different traditions, and the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and model are clearly identified. The fourth part of the book looks closely at more recent attempts to integrate theoretical elements from both within and across models of criminal behaviour, while the fifth part addresses a number of key recent concerns of criminology: postmodernism, cultural criminology, globalization and communitarianism, the penal society, southern criminology and critical criminology. All major theoretical perspectives are considered, including: classical criminology, biological and psychological positivism, labelling theories, feminist criminology, critical criminology and left realism, situation action, desistance theories, social control theories, the risk society, postmodern condition and terrorism. The new edition also features comprehensive coverage of recent developments in criminology, including ‘the myth of the crime drop’, the revitalization of critical criminology and political economy, shaming and crime, defiance theory, coerced mobility theory and new developments in social control and general strain theories. This revised and expanded fifth edition of An Introduction to Criminological Theory includes chapter summaries, critical thinking questions, policy implications, a full glossary of terms and theories and a timeline of criminological theory, making it essential reading for those studying criminology and taking courses on theoretical criminology, understanding crime, and crime and deviance
The ninth edition of Introduction to Criminology provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of lawmaking, lawbreaking, and reactions to crime. Both classic and contemporary theories of the causes of crime are discussed and critiqued. Special attention is given to critical theories of crime and to general theories. The latest crime statistics, research, and theorizing are fully integrated throughout the text and the innovative epilogue provides students with the tools to actually apply criminological theory to real life events. New to this edition: Thoroughly updated throughout including statistics, studies, and theories in criminology. The discussions of drugs, prostitution, and organized crime are now together in one chapter (chapter 7). New chapters have been added on critical theories (chapter 14) and biological, psychological, and evolutionary explanations of crime (chapter 11). More illustrations and examples of crime from popular culture have been added throughout the text in an effort to help students make stronger intellectual connections to the material. A new epilogue has been added that will help students think through common criminological issues and questions they are likely to encounter in everyday conversation.
