NCJ Number
195326
Journal
Western Criminology Review Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 2002 Pages: 1-18
Date Published
2002
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines frequent paradigmatic shifts within the field of critical criminology during the past three decades, arguing that the discipline needs to reconsider its role in relation to criminology as a whole.
Abstract
This author contends that the field of critical criminology has been plagued by a process of self-reflection and has become confused by its varied approaches to the study of crime, criminality, and crime control. Citing paradigmatic changes that have occurred within the field of critical criminology since the mid-1970’s, the author traces the history of the discipline’s approach to researching and studying crime and its consequences. After recounting the approaches of the social reaction theorists and Marxist criminologists, the author argues that criminology’s reformative agenda has left the discipline with a focus on deconstruction and governmental agendas. Arguing that it is becoming harder and harder to find the relevance in criminology’s perspectives, the author maintains that critical criminologists need to rethink their roles and to collaborate with progressive social movements. References