This concise book, acclaimed as easy to read and understand, is organized theory by theory and demonstrates how these theories have evolved, why they were popular, and how they are linked together. KEY TOPICS Chapter topics include the classical school, the positive school, the Chicago school, differential association theory, anomie theory, subculture theories, labeling theory, conflict theory, social control theory, social learning theory, rational theories, gender-based theories, contemporary criminological theories, and the future of criminological theory. For individuals interested in the field of criminal justice.