The SAGE Handbook of Criminological Theory
- Eugene McLaughlin - City University London, UK
- Tim Newburn - London School of Economics, UK
- Nicole Rafter, Professor, Northeastern University
The SAGE Handbook of Criminological Theory re-centres theory in the boldest, most thought-provoking form possible within the criminological enterprise. Written by a team of internationally respected specialists, it provides readers with a clear overview of criminological theory, enabling them to reflect critically upon the variety of theoretical positions - traditional, emergent and desirable - that are constitutive of the discipline at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Each chapter has been specially commissioned to include the following:
" A brief historical overview of the theoretical perspective
" Core ideas and key associated concepts
" A critical review of the contemporary status of the perspective
" Reflections on future developments
In addition the Handbook features a substantive introduction by the editors, providing a review of the development of criminological theory, the state of contemporary criminological theory and emergent issues and debates.
The SAGE Handbook of Criminological Theory is an indispensable international resource for libraries and scholars of all levels studying the rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field of criminology.
A good introductory textbook for undergraduate criminology students
An impressive collection of material, with wide ranging work from accomplished academics and researchers.
An important book covering a range of crucial issues.
This is an excellent introduction to criminological theory. Its strength lies in being an edited volume and not reliant on one or several writers trying to summarise the vast canon of theory, always a tough call. What were provided with is an impressive array of leading scholars with dedicated chapters outlining the entire theoretical corpus, including newer areas of theoretical endeavour. Mostly this consists of sophisticated treatments avoiding vulgar readings and simplistic understandings common to many introductionary texts. Consequently i have no trouble in recommending this text to all my first year undergraduate students, in fact, I urge them to go out and buy it!
I have only two criticisms; firstly there is no chapter on state crime and political crime. Whilst were provided with a good discussion of critical criminology this is wholly inadequate in light of the recent revelations from Wikileaks and Snowden, as well as a host of other exposes concerning the illegal and corrupt activities of numerous state security agencies and the police. The state is a criminal par excellence and it's an oversight not to provide a more thorough treatment of this. Secondly, I thought there were two weaker chapters (gender and crime; cultural criminology) that meander around whilst adding little to understanding the subjects they try and present. But in light of what is a very good effort, these are small criticisms.
The book wasn't exactly what I expected as the content was generally only suitable for students with an efficient background in criminological theory. I will reccomend it to the LRC as it would be a valuable research tool for Level 6, dissertation, and postgraduate students.
This book is an essential text for students. It provides clear guidance and explanation on key criminological theories.
This book provides an excellent collection of criminological perspectives. It is accessible to students wishing to find information and is clearly written. A welcome recommended text for students.
One of a number of general books for criminological theory but one that is set out quite well which enables students to find initial information with links to more in depth coverage elsewhere. For that reason, it is one of the first ports of call for students grappling with theoretical challenges
The text is extremely useful to any criminology student. The book proves most useful when looking at specialist aspects of criminological study and is presented in a clear and accessible format.
This book provides an excellent collection of criminological theorising. It enables the reader to reflect critically upon the theoretical positions posed and how they can be applied to contemporary issues/problems.
An excellent addition to the criminology theory genre of texts; thorough, accessible and well-written.
