NCJ Number
99950
Date Published
1986
Length
383 pages
Annotation
This revised edition of George Vold's 1958 classic work discusses all major criminological theories from 18th century theories through the more modern sociological, economic, biological, physiological, and Marxist explanations of crime.
Abstract
The book presents theories in the historical sequence in which they originated, although each chapter also considers modern interpretations of the particular theory. Initial chapters describe the theories of Cesare Bonesana, Marchese de Beccaria, and the positive school of Cesare Lombroso. Theories related to physical characteristics, intelligence, biological factors, and the offender's personality are reviewed. The book addresses theories that focus on the relationship between crime, poverty, and economic inequality before discussing the work of Emile Durkheim, Robert Merton, and other sociologists on anomie and strain theories. Also covered are the Chicago school of human ecology; theories which describe criminal behavior as normal learned behavior; social control and social reaction theories; and conflict criminology, including the Marxist views. The final chapters apply criminological theories to specific types of crime and discuss the interrelationship among theory, research, and crime policy. Chapter references and index.