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Criminology and Political Theory
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Criminology and Political Theory



July 2009 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
A lucid, sophisticated and timely vindication of the importance of Marxist, feminist and other radical perspectives on the state and political economy to the analysis of crime, control and justice. It offers a valuable guide to issues of political philosophy for students and teachers of criminology, critically deconstructing the taken-for-granted categories of law and criminal justice. - Professor Robert Reiner, London School of Economics, UK

This clear and concise book sets out the relationship between political theory and criminology. It critically analyzes key theories and debates within criminology and addresses the major political ideas that lie beneath them. Organized around key criminological concepts and issues, the book covers:

" power and ideology

" the nature of the state

" social control and policing

" punishment

" economics and criminal activity

" morality.

The book has been carefully developed to support practical teaching and learning and contains chapter summaries, further reading and a comprehensive glossary, which combine to provide a full understanding of the themes.

 
The Nature of the State
 
Economics and Criminal Activity
 
Rights and Obligations
 
Police and Policing
 
The Aims of Punishment
 
The Concept of Censure
 
Desert and Proportionality
 
Fairness
 
Ethics and Our Moral Actions

Makes political theory rather more accessible than many texts.

Ms Jo Mockeridge
School of Law, Criminal Justice & Computing, Canterbury Christ Church University
September 27, 2019

This is a good text book for blending a student's understanding of where political theory 'hits' crime.

As such, it's a rare find for few authors stray into this important domain.

I have and will continue to use it in my policing programmes.

Graham Hooper
Senior lecturer in Policing
Canterbury Christ Church University

Mr Graham Hooper
Department of Law and Criminal Justice, Canterbury Christ Church University
June 22, 2015

This is a good book to complement other readings within the contemporary criminology module.

Ms Allison Savory
Department of Social Sciences, Bucks New University
October 18, 2013

Whilst the content isn't within the mainstream areas we explore, I am happy to suggest the title to my students as it beds current criminology within a political context - particualry important in view of the significant financial restraints on organisations dealing with crime and at a time of increased public observation via the media and social networking systems

Mr Ashley Tiffen
Institute of Policing and Criminal Justice Studies, University of Cumbria
August 16, 2012

Well written and concise, good for entry level students on crime degree

Mrs Julia Norton
Uniformed public services, Sheffield College
June 2, 2012

An important textbook for all students of criminology. A concise text which clearly illustrates the important political issues related to crime and punishment.

Ms Helen Arnold
Social Science , University Campus Suffolk
November 3, 2011

Has some chapters which usefully explore in greater detail concepts which are merely referred to in other over arching texts - for example the chapters on 'censure', 'rights and obligations' and 'fairness'. These provide very useful addenda to other readings, and some understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of different approaches to sentencing. Recommended as library purchase.

Miss Jan Gordon
Dept of Policy Studies, Lincoln University
November 16, 2010

I like this book. It is really useful for encouraging students to think about how political theory connects to their criminological studies. A very good and refreshing supplement to their core criminology readings.

Dr Rob Mawby
Department of Criminology, University of Leicester
October 22, 2010

Very good book, fills a gap in criminological theory

Ms Angela Wilcock
Social Science , Sunderland University
November 13, 2009

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One

Chapter Two


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781412930505
£39.99
ISBN: 9781412930499
£133.00

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