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

by James W. Messerschmidt

The author of this volume skillfully demonstrates that a vital component to understanding crime is to be able to view it as more than a single activity. James W. Messerschmidt argues that crime operates subtly through a complex series of gender, race and class practices and these interwoven elements must be seen as part of all social existence, not viewed independently.

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.