Criminological Theories

In Criminological Theories, the noted criminologist Ronald Akers provides thorough description, discussion, and appraisal of the leading theories of crime/delinquent behavior and law/criminal justice - the origin and history of each theory and its contemporary developments and adherents. Akers offers a clear explanation of each theory (the central concepts and hypotheses of each theory as well as critical criteria for evaluating each theory in terms of its empirical validity). Researchers and librarians, as well as general readers, will find this book a very useful tool and will applaud its clear and understandable exposition of abstract concepts.

This book provides the best of both worlds-- authored text sections with carefully selected accompanying readings covering criminological theory from past to present and beyond. The articles, from leading journals in criminology and criminal justice, reflect both classic studies and state-of-the-art research. Key Features " Begins with an introductory chapter that presents a succinct overview of criminological theory, and briefly describes the organization and content of the book " Features 'How to Read a Research Article'--a perfect introduction to understanding how real-world research is organized and delivered in the journal literature " Includes a 'mini-chapter' for each Section, with figures and tables that present basic concepts and provide a background for the Readings that follow " Provides key terms, web resources, and thought-provoking discussion questions for each Section, along with questions for each Reading to help students develop their critical thinking skills " Instructor Resources on CD include a test bank, PowerPoint slides for each section, classroom activities, and more. " A Student study site provides additional articles, self-study quizzes, e-flashcards, and more.

This comprehensive textbook not only offers a detailed presentation of theoretical perspectives and theorists, but also includes a history of the social environment for each theoretical perspective and biographies of the various theorists. Unlike other comparable criminology texts, Imogene L. Moyer includes discussions of the levels of analysis and the assumptions of the theorists regarding society and people. In addition to covering the traditional theories, the book features currently developing feminist and peacemaking theories, as well as theories from people of color. Exerts from the original sources are frequently incorporated into the chapters. The text features flow charts, photographs, inset biographical sketches, and disc

The Origins of Criminological Theory offers a new sort of theory textbook, both in content and concept. Whereas other texts offer a mainly twentieth century account of criminological theory, this book looks further back, tracing the development of our understanding of crime and deviance throughout the ages, from Ancient Greece right through to the dawn of the rehabilitation ideal. The central objective of this book is to inform readers of the significant role the past has played in our contemporary theories of crime. Core content includes: Justice in Ancient Greece The Dark Ages and innocence The Age of Enlightenment and human nature The Classical School and Utilitarianism The medicalization of crime Biological positivism The birth of rehabilitation In addition to providing a unique approach, the book also has unique authorship. Each chapter is written by an incarcerated author housed at a men’s medium and maximum-security prison in the US. The writers are supported by one or more co-authors: university students who carry out the research for each chapter. This book therefore offers a new way of thinking about theory and makes a significant contribution to convict criminology. It will be of interest to those taking courses in criminological theory, and to programmes such as Inside Out in the US, and the Prison-University Partnerships Network in the UK.

The book is a reference/text book in one. It criticizes the current bifurcation of theory and methodology and presents the history of scientific criminology. It then describes briefly each major criminological theory and lists how the key concepts of each of these theories are measured. All the major studies that test these theories are reviewed and evaluated. The book may serve as a reference book or a guideline in testing criminological theories. The book itself does not make attempts to advance any new theory, but tries to make a contribution to the criminological literature by strengthening the testability of existing criminological theories. That is, it contributes to the construction of a more scientific approach to criminology, and it allows for a more penetrating analysis of existing problems of scientific criminology and of the ways to address these problems.

Criminological Theory: The Essentials, Fourth Edition by Stephen G. Tibbetts and Alex R. Piquero is a brief yet comprehensive overview of the major concepts and perspectives of the key theories in the evolution of criminology. Putting criminological theory in context, the acclaimed authors examine policy implications brought about by theoretical perspectives to show students the practical application of theories to contemporary social problems. The new edition has been thoroughly updated with the latest theoretical extensions and empirical research, with links made to specific theories and recent events.

Criminological Theories is an anthology of previously published articles and book focuses on the major theories, past and present, that inform criminology today.

Criminological Theory is an examination of the major theoretical perspectives in criminology today. Werner J. Einstadter and Stuart Henry lay bare various theorists' ideas about human nature, social structure, social order, concepts of law, crime and criminals, the logic of crime causation, and the policies and practices that follow from these premises. Material is presented and organized around these analytic and critical dimensions throughout the text. Criminological Theory provides students with a clear overview of the subject that enables informed comparisons among diverse concepts. Abstract concepts are explained clearly to maximize the significance of each theoretical framework. The authors cover the major literature in an engaging, comprehensive, and accessible way, allowing students to develop a critical understanding of foundational and contemporary ideas in Criminology.