Criminology provides a thorough, yet succint, discussion of the distribution and causation of crime. Throughout the text, the author draws on a wide range of research in order to consider both sociological and psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, aiming to ask the right questions rather than provide a definitive set of answers. In an area of study which often presents linguistic difficulties Criminology provides the reader with a clearly expressed analysis of the main criminological theories. The book follows a historical path through the development of these theories, and is fully referenced, guiding the reader to further, more in-depth, study of any particular aspect. This new edition has been fully updated and is designed for undergraduates studying criminology, criminological theory and the sociology of deviance. Its detailed analysis and sources of further reading will also be of interest to postgraduate students.

INTRODUCTION: The origins and development of criminology; CRIME AND CRIME CONTROL: ALTERNATIVE DISCOURSES; 1. The development of crime and crime control as social phenomena: the role of the police; 2. Crime: definitions and conflicting images; 3. The statistics on crime and their meaning; 4. The media and 'Law and Order'; SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS OF CRIME; 5. The classical and positivist traditions; 6. Crime and the environment; 7. Poverty, anomie and strain; 8. Subcultural theories; 9. Interactionism and Phenomenology; 10. Conflict, Marxist and radical theories of crime; 11. Realist criminology; 12. Theories of control; 13. Gender and crime; BIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CRIME; 14. Biological factors of crime; 15. Intelligence, mental disorder and crime; 16. Personality theories; 17. Violent, aggressive and sexual offences

Stephen JonesSenior Lecturer, School of Law, University of Bristol