The Origins Of Criminological Theory

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 essays contained in this book capture the stories behind the invention of criminology's major theoretical perspectives and preserves information from the generation that defined the field for the past decades that otherwise would have been lost. This history shows criminology to be a human enterprise. Its ideas were not driven primarily by data, nor were the theories invented solely as part of the scientific process. To the contrary, American criminology's great theories most often preceded the collection of data; they guided and produced empirical inquiry, not vice versa. This volume demonstrates that humanity is what makes theory possible in that diverse experiences allow individual scholars to see the world differently, and thus shape theoretical paradigms based on their own unique life stories.

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.

The Origins of American Criminology is an invaluable resource. Both separately and together, these essays capture the stories behind the invention of criminology's major theoretical perspectives. They preserve information that otherwise would have been lost. There is urgency to embark on this reflective task given that the generation that defined the field for the past decades is heading into retirement. This fine volume insures that their life experiences will not be forgotten. The volume shows criminology to be a human enterprise. Ideas are not driven primarily-and often not at all-by data. Theories are not invented solely as part of the scientific process; they are not inevitable. American criminology's great theories most often precede the collection of data; they guide and produce empirical inquiry, not vice versa. Theoretical paradigms are shaped by a host of factors-scholars' assumptions about the world drawn from their social constructs, disciplinary content and ideology, cognitive environments found in specific universities and the field's scholarly networks, and, quirks in a person's biography. The volume demonstrates that humanity is what makes theory possible. Diverse experiences-when we were born, where we have lived, the unique trajectories of our personal life courses, the disciplines and academic places we have ended up-allow individual scholars to see the world differently.

'Consistently excellent.... The level and coverage of the content make this an invaluable reference for students studying criminology or taking criminal psychology modules at degree level and beyond' - Adam Tocock, Reference Reviews In discussing a criminology topic, lecturers and course textbooks often toss out names of theorists or make a sideways reference to a particular theory and move on, as if assuming their student audience possesses the necessary background to appreciate and integrate the reference. However, university reference librarians can tell you this is often far from the case. Students often approach them seeking a source to provide a quick overview of a particular theory or theorist with just the basics - the who, what, where, how and why, if you will. And reference librarians often find it difficult to guide these students to a quick, one-stop source. In response, SAGE Reference is publishing the two-volume Encyclopedia of Criminological Theory, available in both print and electronic formats. This serves 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 the context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to interpretations of long-established theories, it also offers essays on cutting-edge research as one might find in a handbook. And, like an unabridged dictionary, it provides concise, to-the-point definitions of key concepts, ideas, schools, and figures. Coverage will 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.

Criminology is a unique field of study which purports to bring scientific knowledge to the world of crime and criminals. Tracing the intellectual origins of criminology to physiognomy, phrenology, and evolutionary theories, this book demonstrates criminology's background in new attitudes toward science and the development of scientific methodologies applicable to social and mental phenomena. The book brings together a collection of 19th-century texts from the key originators of the practice of criminology - selected, introduced, and with commentaries by the leading scholar in this area, Nicole.

The Origins of American Criminology is an invaluable resource. Both separately and together, these essays capture the stories behind the invention of criminology’s major theoretical perspectives. They preserve information that otherwise would have been lost. There is urgency to embark on this reflective task given that the generation that defined the field for the past decades is heading into retirement. This fine volume insures that their life experiences will not be forgotten. The volume shows criminology to be a human enterprise. Ideas are not driven primarily—and often not at all—by data. Theories are not invented solely as part of the scientific process; they are not inevitable. American criminology’s great theories most often precede the collection of data; they guide and produce empirical inquiry, not vice versa. Theoretical paradigms are shaped by a host of factors—scholars’ assumptions about the world drawn from their social constructs, disciplinary content and ideology, cognitive environments found in specific universities and the field’s scholarly networks, and, quirks in a person’s biography. The volume demonstrates that humanity is what makes theory possible. Diverse experiences—when we were born, where we have lived, the unique trajectories of our personal life courses, the disciplines and academic places we have ended up—allow individual scholars to see the world differently.

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. The authoritative resource for concise, chronological coverage of all the major sociological criminological theories This book provides all of the key principles of the most researched theories in the field of criminology in a concise, clearly written, and economical format. For over 30 years Williams and McShane’s Criminological Theory has been one of the most well-respected resources for undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, much appreciated for its strong research orientation and detailed research bibliographies that show the relationship between theory, research, and policy. Chapters are logically arranged with the social, cultural, and political context necessary to maximize understanding of the times that generated and supported the various theories presented. The book provides a chronological map tracing the development of each theory in relation to its predecessors and its role in the evolution of future theories. Each chapter ties into the preceding and subsequent chapter, making the theories that are meaningful to criminology today more cohesive. As a result, by understanding the relationship between early and present theory, students see the role played by the theorist more realistically, and can see themselves participating in theory as others before them have done.