NCJ Number
226141
Date Published
2006
Length
421 pages
Annotation
This book critically reviews criminology-the discourse on crime and its ordering-in the context of two modern occurrences: the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the prevalence of genocide.
Abstract
The author argues that criminologists and the focus of their research is influenced by the territorial state and social, cultural, economic, and political environment which composes their primary world. On the other hand, the spheres of the "good life" within relatively "civilized space" are not islands, as they are impacted by the motivations, ideologies, perceptions, economies, cultures, and histories of others who inhabit the globe. The result is an intellectual incoherence and existential imbalance that is no longer sustainable in criminology and the work of criminologists. The absence of a criminology that takes into account the range of global human behaviors that are forging the quality of life for this and coming generations is evidence of intellectual and social failures. The author argues that issues of justice must transcend territorial limits in order to operate in a relevant and insightful manner. Whereas criminology has confined itself to a supporting role for "civilized space" that excludes from view the uncivilized [perpetrators of 9/11 and genocide throughout the world], the new global criminology that must emerge to speak to the world must provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary voice based in research that spans global human activity in all its power and potential for inflicting death, suffering, loss, and injustice. Approximately 350 references