Researching Theories of Crime and Deviance

by Kubrin, Charis E.; Stucky, Thomas D.; Krohn, Marvin D.

• ISBN13: 9780195340860
• ISBN10: 0195340868
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-04-02
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Many textbooks provide summaries and critiques of criminological theories, which are often supported by empirical evidence. However, this evidence is only as good as the research methods that were used to generate it. Where do these "facts" come from, and how reliable are they? Researching Theories of Crime and Deviance offers a critical evaluation of the research methods that generate data, bridging the gap between theory and research in the study of crime and deviant behavior. This unique resource challenges students to carefully appraise--rather than blindly accept--the research techniques that are used to produce theories and scholarship. In clear and engaging language, noted criminologists Charis E. Kubrin, Thomas D. Stucky, and Marvin D. Krohn assess the various research methods that have been used to test nine theoretical perspectives of crime. As they examine the processes and challenges of conducting theoretically directed research, the authors focus on sampling, measurement, and analytical issues. Coverage includes: * Rational Choice/Deterrence Theory * Trait Theories * Social Disorganization Theory * Anomie/Strain Theory * Social Learning Theory * Social Control Theory * Labeling Theory * Conflict Theory * Integrated Theory A dynamic and compelling text, Researching Theories of Crime and Deviance demystifies the research process, encouraging students to become better informed readers and researchers. It serves as an excellent resource for criminological theory courses, graduate-level research methods courses, and seminars that take a close look at the development of criminological theory and/or methods.

Author Biography

Charis E. Kubrin is Associate Professor of Sociology at George Washington University. She is coeditor of Crime: Readings (2007) and coauthor of Privileged Places: Race, Residence, and the Structure of Opportunity (2006).
Thomas D. Stucky is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He is author of Urban Politics, Crime Rates, and Police Strength (2005).
Marvin D. Krohn is Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society at the University of Florida. He is coauthor of Gangs and Delinquency in Developmental Perspective (2003), which was a recipient of the American Society of Criminology's Michael J. Hindelang Award.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
Theory	p. 2
Methods	p. 5
Summary	p. 19
Discussion Questions	p. 20
Rational Choice and Deterrence Theories	p. 21
Introduction	p. 21
Intellectual History of Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories	p. 21
Modern Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories	p. 22
Routine Activities Theory	p. 24
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 25
Analytical Issues	p. 41
Directions for Future Research	p. 47
Discussion Questions	p. 48
Trait Theories	p. 49
Introduction	p. 49
Intellectual History of Trait Theories	p. 49
Modern Biosocial Theories	p. 50
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 56
Analytical Issues	p. 76
Directions for Future Research	p. 80
Discussion Questions	p. 81
Social Disorganization Theory	p. 82
Introduction	p. 82
Intellectual History of Social Disorganization Theory	p. 83
Social Disorganization Theory	p. 87
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 93
Analytical Issues	p. 99
Directions for Future Research	p. 103
Discussion Questions	p. 105
Anomie and Strain Theories	p. 107
Introduction	p. 107
Intellectual History of Anomie and Strain Theories	p. 107
Modern Anomie and Strain Theories	p. 107
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 111
Analytical Issues	p. 129
Directions for Future Research	p. 135
Discussion Questions	p. 136
Social Learning Theories	p. 137
Introduction	p. 137
Intellectual History of Social Learning Theories	p. 137
Differential Association Theory	p. 138
Social Learning Theory	p. 140
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 142
Analytical Issues	p. 159
Directions for Future Research	p. 164
Discussion Questions	p. 166
Control Theories	p. 167
Introduction	p. 167
Intellectual History of Social Control Theory	p. 168
Social Control Theory	p. 169
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 173
Analytical Issues	p. 180
Directions for Future Research	p. 185
Self-Control Theory	p. 186
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 189
Analytical Issues	p. 192
Directions for Future Research	p. 195
Discussion Questions	p. 196
Labeling Theory	p. 198
Introduction	p. 198
Intellectual History of Labeling Theory	p. 200
Labeling Theory	p. 201
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 208
Analytical Issues	p. 213
Directions for Future Research	p. 216
Discussion Questions	p. 217
Conflict Theory	p. 219
Introduction	p. 219
Intellectual History of Conflict Theory	p. 220
Conflict Theory	p. 225
Concepts and Measurement Issues	p. 234
Analytical Issues	p. 239
Directions for Future Research	p. 244
Discussion Questions	p. 245
Integrated Theory	p. 247
Introduction	p. 247
Intellectual History of Integrated Theory	p. 247
Integrated Theory	p. 250
Analytical Issues	p. 273
Directions for Future Research	p. 279
Discussion Questions	p. 281
Conclusion	p. 282
Common Measurement and Analytical Issues	p. 283
What Is the Future of Criminological Inquiry?	p. 287
References	p. 291
Index	p. 341
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.