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.

An indispensable resource for all levels, this handbook provides up-to-date, in-depth summaries of the most important theories in criminology. Provides original, cutting-edge, and in-depth summaries of the most important theories in criminology Covers the origins and assumptions behind each theory, explores current debates and research, points out knowledge gaps, and offers directions for future research Encompasses theory, research, policy, and practice, with recommendations for further reading at the end of each essay Features discussions of broad issues and topics related to the field, such as the correlates of crime, testing theory, policy, and prediction Clearly and accessibly written by leading scholars in the field as well as up-and-coming scholars

Criminology is in a period of much theoretical ferment. Older theories have been revitalized, and newer theories have been set forth. Th e very richness of our thinking about crime, however, leads to questions about the relative merits of these competin paradigms. Accordingly, in this volume advocates of prominent theories are asked to "take stock" of their perspectives. Th eir challenge is to assess the empirical status of their theory and to map out future directions for theoretical development.

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 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.

This book focuses on the history and development of criminological thought from the pre-Enlightenment period to the present and offers a detailed and chronological overview of competing theoretical perspectives in criminology in their social and political context. This book covers: A discussion of how major theorists came to espouse their ideas and how the social context of the time influenced the development criminological thought; An exploration of the scientific method and the way in which theories are tested; Details of the origins of each theory as well as their recent developments in scholarship and research; Comparative and international research in theory; The empirical support for theory and the relationship between research and policy; Biosocial and developmental criminology, including the biosocial underpinnings of criminal behavior and the influence of neuroscience and brain psychology; Theoretical applications for explaining different crime types, such as genocide, white-collar crime, and environmental crime; A summary of the current state of criminological knowledge and a vision for the future of criminology. The book includes lists of further reading and chapter summaries, and is supported by timelines of key works and events. This book is essential reading for courses on criminological theory, criminal behaviour, criminal psychology and biosocial criminology.

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.