Criminology

by Beirne, Piers; Messerschmidt, James W.

• ISBN13: 9780195330625
• ISBN10: 0195330625
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-05
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The Fourth Edition of Criminology is Piers Beirne and James W. Messerschmidt's well-respected and comprehensive introduction to the study of crime and criminological theory. The authors take a critical sociological approach that emphasizes the relationship between four different sociological variables (gender, class, race, age) and crime. Thoroughly revised and updated, the new edition features numerous additions, both empirical and theoretical, including globalization, cyberstalking, computer crime, animal abuse, the latest corporate scandals (Enron, Worldcom, etc.), violence by college athletes, election fraud, and terrorism. One of the main strengths of this text is the way in which the authors trace the historical development of criminological theory and place the development of each theory in a historically specific set of social, economic, and political circumstances. Definitions of crime and the measurement of crime are subjected to a critical analysis that focuses on the social construction of crime and crime rates. The authors explore a wide range of research on property crimes and interpersonal violence as well as syndicated, white-collar, and political crimes. The chapter on the study of crime and victimization in a cross-national context helps students understand the importance of viewing crime through a culturally relative lens, as well as the problems associated with making cross-national generalizations regarding crime. Throughout the text, Beirne and Messerschmidt address historical, feminist, and comparative perspectives highlighting the major types of crime and victimization patterns. Their introduction addresses two key questions: "What is crime?" and "How is it measured?" The authors then debunk the major crime myths that are recreated daily and the notion that the most serious crimes are committed by the urban underclass. Written in student-oriented, accessible language, Criminology increases understanding through the abundant use of relevant illustrations, examples, and case studies. End-of-chapter key terms, discussion questions, additional readings, a glossary, and suggested websites further support student learning.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Criminology

The Problem of CrimeImages of CrimeCrime, Criminal Law, and Criminalization

Crime as a Sociological Problem

The Measurement of CrimeCaution: Data Do Not Speak for Themselves

Official Crime DataUnofficial Crime Data

Inequality, Crime, and Victimization

Class and Crime Gender and Crime Race and Crime Age and Crime

Types of Crime

Property Crime Robbery and Burglary Varieties of Larceny Dealing and Damage

Interpersonal ViolenceMurder, Assault, Hate Crimes, and Rape

Interpersonal Violence in the FamilyInterpersonal Violence in the Workplace

Syndicated CrimeA History of Syndicated Crime

Syndicated Crime TodayPrincipal Forms of Syndicated Crime

White-Collar CrimeOccupational CrimeCorporate CrimeTransnational Corporate Crime

Political CrimePolitical Crimes Against the State Domestic

Political Crimes by the StateTransnational Political Crimes by the State

Criminological Theory

The Origins of Criminological Theory

The Enlightenment and Classical Criminology

The Emergence of Positivist Criminology

Criminal Anthropology: Lombroso's "Born Criminal"Neoclassical Criminology

The Emergence of Sociological Criminology

Toward a Social Psychology of Crime: Gabriel Tarde

Toward a Sociology of Law and Crime: Emile Durkheim

Classical Marxism: Marx and Engels on State, Law, and Crime

The Emergence of Criminology in the United States

The Early History of Criminology in the United States, 1895-1915

Crime and Social Ecology

Social Structure, Anomie, and Deviance

The Criminology of Edwin Sutherland

Delinquent Subcultures and Subcultures of Delinquency

Delinquent Subcultures Matza's Delinquency and Drift (1964) Control Theory

Theoretical DiversitySocial Learning Theory

The Labeling Perspective Conflict Theory

Radical and Feminist Criminology

New Directions in Criminological Theory

Routine Activities and CrimeSelf-Control and Control Balance

Revised Strain TheoryCritical Criminologies

Comparative Criminology Approaching Comparative Criminology

Comparative Crime and Victimization Data

Cross-National Generalizations Regarding Crime

U.S. Crime in Comparative Perspective

Glossary

Name Index and Subject Index

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