Crime as Structured Action: Gender, Race, Class, and Crime in the Making

by James W. Messerschmidt

"James W. Messerschmidt′s book pushes the boundaries of criminology and gender research. Vivid material, imaginative analysis, important issues."

--R. W. Connell, Professor of Sociology, University of Sydney, Australia

A captivating book that advances new developments in theoretical criminology, Crime as Structured Action explores the relation between structure and action and among gender, race, and class, both of which are at the forefront of contemporary debates in the social sciences. Author James W. Messerschmidt skillfully demonstrates that to understand crime we must appreciate how crime operates through a complex series of gender, race, and class practices. Crime must be examined by focusing on people in specific social settings, what they do to construct social relations and social structures, and how these social structures constrain and channel behavior in specific ways. The twin focal points of Messerschmidt′s approach are the inseparability of structure and action and the situational salience of constructing gender, race, class, and those acts we label "crime."

Engaging and thought-provoking, Crime as Structured Action appeals to a broad readership that includes researchers, academics, and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, gender studies, and social work.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 1997

About the author

James W. Messerschmidt is Professor of Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies, and Chair of the Criminology Department, at the University of Southern Maine. He is the author of over thirty academic articles and book chapters as well as ten books, most recently Gender, Heterosexuality, and Youth Violence: The Struggle for Recognition (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). Professor Messerschmidt teaches courses on gender and crime, white-collar crime, and introduction to women's and gender studies. He is the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Feminist Faculty Award from the Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Southern Maine as well as 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award from San Diego State University for his distinguished scholarly contributions to sociology, criminology, and gender studies.

Reviews

[Jesus Valle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on concepts applying to crime

I gave a rating 3-stars because I had some issues with sources used, and some of his opinions of how they structure action in relation to crime. Other than that messerschmidt's book is well written, easy to read, and brings to light many interesting perspective to crime utilizing historical sources. I do think that he should delve into differ ethnic structures of crime, expanding of the brief description of Muslim masculinity, and introducing others. I also agree that structured action through the female perspective should be looked at, especially within the historical context that he has established this book in.