Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences

The Fourth Edition of this highly successful text moves readers beyond often-mistaken common-sense understandings of crime by providing a rich introduction to how major scholars analyze crime. Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences, Fourth Edition shows the real-world relevance of theory by illuminating how ideas about crime play a prominent role in shaping crime-control policies and compelling students to apply theories to the contemporary milieu.

New to the Fourth Edition:

• Freshens and revitalizes criminological theory: Expanding on the ideas presented in previous editions, every chapter has been updated with the most recent developments. Without diminishing the presentation of classical analysis, this edition revisits the context of society in the development of criminology and how the nature of the times affects which theories arise and become popular.
• Updates current policy and theorizes on possible policy implications for the future: With five new chapters, this edition provides the most comprehensive coverage of diverse criminological theories published to date. The range of theoretical and empirical updates covers mainstream criminology; critical criminology, including a separate chapter on feminist perspectives; and conservative criminology. The book also examines future policy implications brought about by recent theory.
• Allows students to be up-to-date on emerging paradigms: The book covers newer theories that explore human development and crime, including biosocial and life-course theories. This edition includes new chapter opening photos to enhance student understanding at the beginning of chapters and judiciously uses tables and grids to help students compare theory.

Ancillaries:

• IRCD: Instructor's Resource CD-ROM?with test bank and Powerpoint slides are available to qualified instructors.

IRCDs are available for qualified instructors only. To request an IRCD for this book please contact Customer Care at 1.800.818.7243 (6 am – 5 pm Pacific Time) or by emailing info@sagepub.com with course name and enrollment and your university mailing address to expedite the process.

Intended Audience:

This is an excellent core textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying Criminological Theory in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, and law enforcement.