Criminological Theories Understanding Crime in America

Designed for an undergraduate criminology or criminological theory course, Criminological Theories: Understanding Crime in America explores crime, crime theory, and various forms of criminal behavior within the United States. Thoroughly revised and updated, this text focuses strictly on theories while avoiding discussion of the criminal justice system. Interdisciplinary in scope, it includes comprehensive coverage of white-collar crime, biological theories, DNA, and biology. This Second Edition includes boxes throughout that highlight public policy, contemporary issues in the news, and profiles of offenders, all related to the chapter material. Every chapter opens with an outline and concludes with critical thinking questions to assure student comprehension.

ChapterChapter 1 What is Theory?
ChapterChapter 2 Measuring the Extent of Crime
ChapterChapter 3 Crime Victimizations
ChapterChapter 4 The Classical School of Thought
ChapterChapter 5 Trait Theories
ChapterChapter 6 Social Structure Theories: Emphasis on the Social Structure
ChapterChapter 7 Social Processing Theories: Emphasis on Socialization
ChapterChapter 8 Conflict Theories
ChapterChapter 9 The Future of Criminological Theory