Criminology Theory: Selected Classic Readings - Softcover

This highly acclaimed criminology text presents an up-to-date review of rational choice theories, including deterrence, shaming, and routine activities. It also incorporates current examples of deterrence research regarding domestic violence, drunk driving, and capital punishment, and features thought-provoking discussion of the relativity of crime. The authors explore the crime problem, its context, and causes of crime. The organization of the text reflects the fact that the etiology of crime must be at the heart of criminology. It examines contemporary efforts to redefine crime by focusing on family violence, hate crimes, white-collar misconduct with violent consequences, and other forms of human behavior often neglected by criminologists. Extensive discussion of evolving laws is included, and while the prevalence of the scientific method in the field of criminology is highlighted, the impact of ideology on explanations of crime is the cornerstone of the book.

Frank P. Williams III has taught at departments in five universities and has published a substantial number of articles, research monographs, government reports, and books. He has served as a department chair (Cal State, San Bernardino), Assistant Director for Research (Sam Houston State), and Coordinator of the Doctoral Program (Prairie View A&M), and directed numerous research projects. He has served on or been elected to the boards of national scholarly organizations, chaired a major division of a national organization, and chaired/served on numerous national/regional committees. He has been an editor or deputy/associate editor for several journals and publisher’s book and monograph series.

Marilyn D. McShane is currently a professor of criminal justice at the University of Houston, Downtown. Over her career, she has taught in doctoral, masters and undergraduate programs, as well as served as a program director in the Texas Department of Corrections. She has also been a department chair and director of both academic centers and institutes, held office and served on a number of national criminal justice professional organization boards, and served as a reviewer of research proposals for the National Institute for Justice. She has a substantial number of publications and research and training grants and has been involved in editorial work for book series and journals for the past 20 years. Her publications include encyclopedias, several books, and numerous journal articles. Correctional issues, criminological theory, and management are among her academic interests.