Synopses & Reviews
This thought-provoking examination of crime and criminological theory takes a direct approach to a question that often confuses and frustrates students---why do people commit crimes? UNDERSTANDING CRIME begins with an overview of the key elements of the study of crime and criminology, including law, public policy, research literature, and the philosophical origins of crime theories. These theories, based in biology, psychology, and sociology, are then broken down to their basic elements and causal processes in order to be explored. The authors examine the practical implications and applications each theory has on the administration of justice. In conclusion, the text looks at the future of crime theory by speculating whether or not new research designs, theories, and paradigms are needed. With a new modular format, this text can be customized for any teaching or learning style.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 361-407) and index.
About the Author
L. Thomas Winfree, Jr., received his Ph.D. degree (sociology) from the University of Montana in 1976. Besides his current position as Professor of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University, he has held academic appointments at the University of New Mexico, East Texas State University (now Texas A and M University, Commerce), and Louisiana State University. Winfree has authored or co-authored over 70 refereed journal articles, 20-plus book chapters, and numerous reports. He is co-author, with Howard Abadinsky, of UNDERSTANDING CRIME, Second Edition (Wadsworth, 2003). Included among Winfree's research interests are youth gangs, police socialization, and contemporary justice system responses to drug and alcohol problems.Howard Abadinsky, a Professor in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at St. John's University, is a widely respected author and researcher in the criminal justice field. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Abadinsky served as an inspector for the Cook County Sheriff's Office for eight years and as a New York State parole officer for 15 years. He is the author of several books, including ORGANIZED CRIME, 8e. Dr. Abadinsky received his master's degree from the Fordham University School of Social Service and a Ph.D. in sociology from New York University.
Table of Contents
1. THEORY AND THE STUDY OF CRIME. Structure of Theory. Human Nature, Government and Public Policy. The Nature of Laws and Crimes. Origins of Crime Theories. Understanding Crime. 2. DETERRENCE AND OPPORTUNITY THEORIES. Formal Deterrence. Rational Choice Theory. Routine Activities and Opportunity Theory. Informal Deterrence and Related Processes. 3. BIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL THEORIES. Origins of Biological Explanations. Genetics and Crimes. Biochemistry and Crime. 4. THEORIES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES. Psychoanalytic Theories. Deviant Personalities and Psychopathologies. 5. PSYCHOLOGICAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENTAL THEORIES. Intelligence and Crime. Behaviorism and Learning Theories. Developmental Theories. 6. SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONAL THEORIES. Crime and Social Ecology. Crime and Social Structure. Crime and Subcultures. 7. SOCIAL PROCESS THEORIES. Learning Theories. Social Control Theories. Self-Control Theory. 8. LABELING AND CONFLICT THEORIES. Labeling Theory. Conflict and Crime. 9. MARXIST AND FEMINIST THEORIES. Marxism and Crime. Feminist Criminology. 10. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THEORY. Question #1: Research Designs. Question #2: Theories. Question #3: New Paradigms.