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.

This book brings to life the major theories of crime and deviance by presenting detailed profiles that help readers differentiate each theory and its major propositions by better understanding how, when, and by whom the theory was formed. Criminology is based on strong theoretical foundations that attempt to answer the question of why people commit crime. Criminological theory is especially complex in that theorists come from a variety of disciplines including medicine, sociology, psychology, economics, and law. While not an exhaustive list of each theorist’s works, nor an in-depth review of the empirical work that has been done on each theory, this text tracks the intellectual development of a theory by profiling the theorists who are responsible for the major ideas in criminological thought. By viewing the field in the context of the social conditions of the time and the personal histories of the theorists, students can better understand the intellectual history of each theory and the relationship between criminology and other fields, to grasp a better appreciation of how the science of crime and the study of criminals has evolved. All chapters are organized with a brief overview of the theorist and their significant ideas, a biographical profile of the theorist, coverage of the theoretical developments and contributions of the theorist, a list of major works by the theorist, and a summary detailing the overall legacy of the theorist in the field. This book is ideal for courses on criminology, criminological theory, and criminal behavior.

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.

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: A Brief Introduction, Third Edition, offers an accessible discussion of the major theories of crime, delinquency, social deviance, and social control with an objective and neutral approach. The text provides students with an understanding of not only what the central tenets are of criminological theories but also focuses on providing real-life examples and implications for criminal justice policy and practice.

For courses in Criminology, Criminological Theory, Theories of Crime, Crime in America. The authoritative resource for criminological theory. Criminological Theory, 6/e provides concise chronological coverage of all the major criminological theories. The text puts theories into socio-historical context to illustrate how and why certain theories evolved, why they were popular at particular points in time, and how they are still active and influential today. The authors also examine the research and policies that were inspired by each theory. Specifically designed to suit one-semester courses, students and instructors alike will appreciate the text’s straight-forward approach, clear language, and comprehensive coverage.

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