This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to criminological theory for students taking courses in criminology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Building on previous editions and the previous companion text, this book presents the latest research and theoretical developments in a socio-political context.
All major theoretical perspectives are considered, including:
- classical criminology,
- biological and psychological positivism,
- labelling theories,
- feminist criminology,
- critical criminology and left realism,
- situation action theories,
- desistance theories,
- social control theories,
- the risk society, postmodern condition, and terrorism.
The new edition has been updated and revised over seven parts to include full chapters on key topics, such as Bourdieau and criminology, narrative criminology, cultural victimology, southern theory and criminology, green and species criminology, critical race theory, convict and abolitionist and convict criminologies, and ultra-realist criminology. These key issues are discussed in the context of debates about the fragmentation of modernity and the postmodern condition: the rise of political populism, risk, surveillance and social control, conspiracy theories, post-truth society and speculation about living in post–COVID-19 society, and the future of neoliberalism.
Supplemented with chapter summaries, critical thinking questions, policy implications, a full glossary of terms and theories, and a timeline of criminological theory, this book will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students of criminology, sociology, and politics, and is essential reading for advanced students of criminology looking for a way to engage with contemporary themes and concepts in theory.
1. Introduction and Structure Part One: The Rational Actor Model 2. Classical Criminology 3. Populist Conservative Criminology 4. Contemporary Rational Actor Theories Part Two: The Predestined Actor Model of Crime and Criminal Behaviour 5. Biological Positivism 6. Psychological Positivism 7. Sociological Positivism 8. Women and Positivism Part Three: The Victimized Actor Model of Crime and Criminal Behaviour 9. Labelling Theories 10. Conflict and Radical Theories 11. Critical Criminology 12. Left Realism Part Four: Integrated Theories of Crime and Criminal Behaviour 13. Sociobiological Theories 14. Environmental Theories 15. Social Control Theories 16. Situational Action Theories 17. Bourdieau and Criminology 18. Narrative Criminology 19. Problem-Solving Criminal Justice Part Five: Crimes in the Era of Fragmented Modernity 20. Fragmentation of Modernity and the Postmodern Condition 21. Constitutive Criminology 22. Anarchist Criminology 23. Cultural Criminology 24. Cultural Victimology 25. Globalization and Organized Crime Part Six: Rediscovering Critical Criminology in Neoliberal Society 26. Southern Theory and Criminology 27. Critical Race Theory 28. Terrorism and State Violence 29. Gender, Feminism, and Masculinity 30. Green and Species Criminology 31. Biocritical Criminology 32. Abolitionism and Convict Criminology Part Seven: Crime in an Age of Austerity and Pandemic 33. Criminality and the Rise of Political Populism 34. Risk, Surveillance, and Social Control 35. Ultra-Realist Criminology 36. Radical Moral Communitarian Criminology 37. Criminology in an Age of Austerity 38. Epilogue: Crime and Post–Covid-19 Society Criminological Theory Timeline Glossary
Biography
Roger Hopkins Burke is Visiting Professor at the University of Derby and an independent consultant. He is the author of numerous books and articles in the areas of criminology, criminal justice, and social philosophy with vast teaching and research experience.
“Hopkins Burke’s Introduction to Criminological Theory has long been an indispensable guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The book has evolved with the discipline, providing up to date, critical appraisals of the most important and most recent contributions to criminological theory. The latest edition examines an extensive range of perspectives, considering their contributions in relation to developments in the discipline and situating them in wider social, political and historical context. An essential text for any criminology course.”
Will Jackson, Lecturer in Criminology, Programme Leader MA Criminology and Social Policy. Liverpool John Moores University, UK
"Building on an already comprehensive collection, this new edition is strengthened by the inclusion of contemporary debates and theoretical perspectives that will appeal to those teaching and studying criminology, sociology and related disciplines. A must read!"Kathryn Chadwick, Principal Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
“An Introduction to Criminological Theory by Rodger Hopkins Burke is a staple on our courses. This is a book I strongly recommend to many of my criminology students, particularly those who have just started studying criminology. The book provides a historical overview and discussion of criminology over the past 250 years and introduces students to various theories and perspectives, presenting these ideas in an accessible and interesting format. The sixth edition continues in this tradition but now incorporates much more, blending the historical with contemporary criminology. It promises to be a valuable text for all students.”Chloe Hawkins, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader Criminology and Criminal Justice, Portsmouth University, UK
