Radical Criminology (From Crime in Canadian Society - Second Edition, P 234-247, 1980, Robert A Silverman and James J Teevan, Jr, ed. - See NCJ-87867)

• NCJ Number: 87869
• Author(s): A E C Antony
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

Radical criminology differs from the liberal criminology which currently prevails in several respects, including its definition of crime, its view of the role of the criminologist, its image of crime and the criminal, and its prescriptions for change.

Abstract

However, with some reformulations and improvements, the framework offered by radical criminology could be added to criminology in a useful manner. However, as it is presently constituted, criminology is far removed from the stage where radical theory can be transformed into practice. Liberal criminology views crime as behavior and examines the characteristics and life experiences of the criminal actor. In contrast, radical criminology views crime as a definition of behavior made by the State and critically examines political authority and the State. Whereas liberal criminology emphasizes cultural variables as influences on crime, radical criminology emphasizes structural variables. In liberal criminology, the criminologist is an expert advisor who provides information to leaders to promote the smooth and efficient running of the State system. In contrast, radical criminologists take the view that criminologists should engage in practical activity and ongoing political struggles. Liberal criminology regards crime as a universal phenomenon due to human inadequacies, but radical criminology regards crime as universal because of society's conflictual nature and purposive behavior. Liberal criminology recommends adherence to the rehabilitative ideal, while radical criminology emphasizes the need to change the structural components of society. Radical criminology has not questioned its own assumptions and concepts as closely as it has those of liberal criminology. However, with some reformulations, radical criminology offers an alternative framework in which to conceptualize and study problems. References are listed in a bibliography located at the end of the volume and containing about 800 references.