Crime in Canadian Context Debates and Controversies

Taking a concise, critical approach, the fifth edition of Crime in Canadian Context: Debates and Controversies draws on up-to-date statistics and research, controversial issues, and contemporary examples to provide a detailed introduction to crime in Canada. Theoretically comprehensive, this new edition outlines both sociological and non-sociological theories of crime and examines how crime is defined, measured, reported, and controlled in Canada. As a readable, single-authored text, Crime in Canadian Context covers compelling topics - such as hate crimes, police misconduct, violence against women and Indigenous peoples, overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, gangs, corporate crime, and harm reduction initiatives - with a consistent, clear voice. Critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter reinforce key concepts, while coverage of current debates and controversies encourage students to consider real-world issues and participate in well-informed discussions. Praised for being a well-researched and accessible guide, Crime in Canadian Context offers a balanced overview of the essential concepts and skills required to excel in the study of crime.

William O'Grady, Professor, Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph

William O'Grady is a professor and sociology graduate programs coordinator in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Guelph.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Crime, Fear, and Risk
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Objectivist-Legalistic Approach
Criminal Justice in Canada
Crime and Social Reaction
Media Portrayals of Crime in Canada
Crime and Moral Panics
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 2 Measuring Crime
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Official Statistics
Self-Report Surveys
Victimization Surveys
Observational Accounts
Is Crime in Canada on the Rise?
Trends and Correlates of Canadian Homicide
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 3 Non-sociological Explanations of Crime
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Demonic Era
Magna Carta
The Classical School of Criminology
From Lombrosian Atavism to Modern Biocriminology
The Psychology of Crime
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 4 Classical Sociological Explanations of Crime
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Durkheim
The Chicago School
Crime and Social Disorganization
Strain/Anomie Theory
Control Theory
Differential Association Theory
Labelling Theory
Critical Criminology
Left Realism
Feminism and Criminology
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 5 Recent Sociological Approaches to Crime
Learning Objectives
Introduction
A General Theory of Crime
The Life Course Perspective
General Strain Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Routine Activity Theory
Reducing the Risk: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Risk and Actuarial Criminology
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 6 Crime and Social Exclusion
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Defining Social Exclusion
Homeless Youth
Youth Gangs
Indigenous People in Canada
Hate Crime
Violence against Women
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 7 Crime in the Context of Organizations and Institutions
Learning Objectives
Introduction
White-Collar and Corporate Crime
The Public as Victim
Workers as Victims
Causes of White-Collar Crime
Political Crime
Organized Transnational Crime
Police Misconduct
Crime in Trusted Social Organizations
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 8 Responding to Crime
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Crime, Law, and Order
Policing
Courts and Sentencing
Capital Punishment
Prisons
Youth Justice in Canada
Alternatives to Incarceration
Restorative Justice
Harm Reduction
Conclusion
Critical Thinking Questions
Suggested Readings
Websites and Films
Chapter 9 Summary and Conclusions
Future Directions in Criminology
How Should Crime Be Responded to in Canada?
Glossary
References
Index