Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application

by Ronald L. Akers, Christine S. Sellers

Now in a new edition, Criminological 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

* Presents a succinct exposition of the theory's central concepts, assertions, and hypotheses--including recent modifications and revisions
* Provides a detailed critique of the theory, with a focus on empirical validity
* 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Crime, School

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Ronald Louis Akers was an American criminologist and professor emeritus of criminology and law at the University of Florida's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does give a pretty good overview of various criminological theories. There are some great online tools to help out as well.
The biggest problem I have with it is the bias from the authors against other theories, especially Social Bonding.
Maybe that's a problem with all books, but this one is written by the ones that came up with Social Learning and they make it known that everything else is inferior to that or is really just that.

[A A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, if you want to know why people commit crimes, theoretically of course.