Subjects:

Criminology

Contents:

INTRODUCTION: Criminology: its origins and research methods

PART I: CRIME AND CRIME CONTROL: ALTERNATIVE DISCOURSES

1. Crime: definitions and conflicting images

2. The statistics on crime and their meaning

3. The media and 'law and order'

PART II: SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS OF CRIME

4. The classical and positivist traditions

5. Crime and the environment

6. Poverty, anomie and strain

7. Subcultural theories

8. Interactionism and phenomenology

9. Conflict, Marxist and radical theories of crime

10. Realist criminology and victims

11. Theories of control

12. Gender and crime

PART III: BIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CRIME

13. Biological factors and crime

14. Intelligence, mental disorder and crime

15. Personality theories

16. Violent, aggressive and sexual offences

The fourth edition of Criminology provides a detailed discussion of not only the causes, but also the perception and nature of crime. Throughout the text, the author draws on a wide range of research in order to consider both sociological and psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, aiming to ask the right questions rather than provide a definitive set of answers.

The book provides the reader with a clearly expressed analysis of the main criminological theories, following a historical path through their development. It is fully referenced, guiding the reader to further, more in-depth study of any particular aspect.

The fourth edition has been fully updated and contains expanded coverage of contemporary issues in criminology, including the definition and treatment of victims. There is also an expanded introductory chapter which includes a discussion on criminological research methods.

Criminology is designed for undergraduates studying criminology, criminological theory, and the sociology of deviance. Its detailed analysis and sources of further reading will also be of interest to postgraduate students.