Criminological Theories Introduction, Evaluation, and Application

by Akers, Ronald L.; Sellers, Christine S.

• ISBN13: 9780195330243
• ISBN10: 0195330242
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-08-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

In the Fourth Edition of Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application, Ronald L. Akers and new coauthor Christine S. Sellers provide a concise but thorough review and appraisal of the leading theories of crime and criminal justice. Based on the widespread success of the first three editions, this landmark book has been updated and revised to keep current with changes in the development, testing, integration, and application of important criminological theories. The Fourth Edition continues its focus on evaluating the principal criminological theories, chiefly on the basis of their empirical validity as demonstrated through relevant research. The Fourth Edition also enhances the review and empirical evaluation of classic and contemporary applications of each theory that were incorporated into the Third Edition. Each chapter has been revised and updated to reflect developments in theory, research, and applications. There are now separate chapters on Biological Theories and Psychological Theories. Among the many theoretical and applied issues that are introduced, updated, reorganized, and/or expanded are: * Assessing the Quality of Research * Theory and Ideology * Peer Groups and Influences * Religious Factors * Life Course Criminology * Behavioral Genetics and Evolutionary Theory * Restorative Justice * Masculinities * Institutional-Anomie Theory

Table of Contents

Introduction to Criminological

Theory What is Theory?

Types of Criminological

Theories Criteria for Evaluating

Theory

Summary

Deterrence and Rational Choice

Theories Classical Criminology and the Deterrence

Doctrine Modern Deterrence

Theory Rational Choice

Theory Deterrence and Criminal

Justice Policy Scared Straight, Shock Incarceration, and Boot Camps

Routine Activities

Theory

Summary

Biological Theories

Lombroso and Early Biological

Theories Modern Biological

Theories of Crime and Delinquency

Empirical Validity of Biological

Theories of Criminal Behavior

Policy Implications of Biological

Theories

Summary

Psychological

Theories Psychoanalytic

Theory Personality

Theory Psychological Counseling in Delinquency

Prevention and Treatment

Summary

Social Learning

Theory Introduction Sutherland's

Differential Association

Theory Akers' Social Learning

Theory Empirical Validity of Social Learning

Theory Applications of Social Learning

Theory Prevention and Treatment

Programs

Summary

Social Bonding and Control

Theories Introduction Early Control

Theories Hirschi's Social Bonding

Theory Gottfredson and Hirschi: Self-Control

Theory Policy Implications of Control

Theories

Summary

Labeling Theory Introduction

Labeling as a Process of Symbolic Social Interaction

The Label as an Independent

Variable in Crime and Deviance

Empirical Evidence on Labeling

Theory Implications of Labeling

Theory: Juvenile Diversion Programs

Braithwaite's Reintegrative Shaming

Theory Reintegrative Shaming, Restorative, Justice, and Faith-Based Programs

The Past and Future of Labeling

Theory

Summary

Social Disorganization, Anomie, and Strain

Theories Introduction

Social Disorganization and the Urban

Ecology of Crime and Delinquency

Classic Anomie/Strain

Theory Research on Classic Anomie/Strain

Theories Contemporary Anomie/Strain

Theories Community Projects

Based on Theories of Disorganization, Anomie, and Delinquent Subcultures

Policy Implications of Contemporary Anomie/Strain

Theories

Summary

Conflict Theory Introduction Consensus and Functionalist

Theories of Law Conflict

Theory of Law and Criminal

Justice Empirical

Validity of Consensus and Conflict

Theories of Law and Criminal

Justice Conflict

Theory of Criminal Behavior

Empirical Validity of Conflict

Theory on Criminal Behavior Policy

Implications of Conflict

Theory

Summary

Marxist and Critical

Theories Marxist

Theory Marxist

Theory of Law and Criminal

Justice Empirical Adequacy of Marxist

Theory of Law and Justice Marxist

Theory of Crime Critical Criminology

Summary

Feminist Theories Introduction Feminist

Theory of Criminal Justice Empirical

Validity of Feminist

Theories of Criminal Justice Feminist

Theories of Crime Empirical Validity of Feminist

Theories of Criminal Behavior Policy

Implications of Feminist

Theory

Summary

Integrating Criminological

Theories Theory Competition Versus

Theory Integration

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.