Product Description

Now in a new edition, Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application offers a concise yet comprehensive review and appraisal of the leading theories of crime and criminal justice. Based on the widespread success of the first four editions, this popular resource has been updated and revised to reflect changes in the development, testing, integration, and application of essential criminological theories.
In clear, engaging language, authors Ronald L. Akers and Christine S. Sellers explore each principal criminological theory through the following in-depth analysis:
* Introduction: Presents a succinct exposition of the theory's central concepts, assertions, and hypotheses--including recent modifications and revisions
* Evaluation: Provides a detailed critique of the theory, with a focus on empirical validity
* Application: Extends the evaluation to determine each theory's relevance, as well as its potential for controlling and preventing crime and delinquency
To draw students into the material, the fifth edition incorporates a helpful new resource that provides an overview of every major theory of criminal and deviant behavior--Table 12.1. An invaluable pedagogical tool, this table directs students to the corresponding chapter for each theory; it also includes brief entries on each theory's major proponents, concepts, propositions, empirical validity, and policy implications. Encouraging students to carefully review--and thoughtfully compare--these theories, the table creates a dynamic connection between readers and the text.
Ideal for courses on theories of crime, delinquency, and deviance, Criminological Theories, Fifth Edition, also serves as an excellent supplement for courses in criminology, juvenile delinquency, deviance, and criminal behavior.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #290672 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review

"Criminological Theories is a well-organized review of the major theories used by criminologists to explain criminal behavior and critique the criminal justice system. The systematic coverage of the theories is thorough and concise. The writing style, organizational structure, and approach explicitly link the connections between theory, research, and policy. This text continues to surpass the competition and provides a solid introduction to criminological theories for my undergraduate students."--Kristi L. Hoffman, Roanoke College

About the Author

Ronald L. Akers is Professor of Criminology, Law, and Society at the University of Florida. He is coeditor of Social Learning Theory and the Explanation of Crime (2007).
Christine S. Sellers is Associate Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida.

Customer Reviews

Avoid it unless it is required for a class
This book has a lot of promise, but fails to deliver. Most currently debated theories are covered in this text, but none except social learning theory receives adequate consideration. Akers presents only modified, interpreted versions of the most important foundational works in the field. This would definitely not be a book for beginners, and anyone seeking a solid basis for knowledge should look elsewhere.

Akers is primarily a social learning theorist, so (big surprise) every theory in the book is essientially boiled down to show how it is really social learning theory by another name. He also pays insufficient attention to the new theoretical trends in the field, which again is no real surprise. I would advise anyone seeking a good understanding of criminological theory to avoid this book. If you happen to be unfortunate enough to have a professor require it for a class, ask for suggestions about supplemental readings and take this one with a grain of salt. It's so slanted that you could roll marbles off of it.

Decent, but there is better...
While reading this book, I was satisfied with it and learned valuable information. However, once a good friend of mine - who is a criminology professor at Towson University - gave me a copy of Cullen and Agnew's book titled, "Criminological Theory: Past to Present," I quickly became somewhat disappointed with Akers' book. Even though I did aquire valuable information from Akers' book, in comparison I felt the Cullen and Agnew book was much better organized and much more thorough.

a book for all criminology enthusiasts
Criminological theories is a well written book on theories, evaluations, and applications. The chapter I found most interesting was on Deterrence of Criminal Behavior. The delivery time on this book was exceptional. I would order from this company again.