Criminological Theories: Introduction and Evaluation

by Ronald L. Akers

Book Overview

In Criminological Theories, the noted criminologist Ronald Akers provides thorough description, discussion, and appraisal of the leading theories of crime/delinquent behavior and law/criminal justice - the origin and history of each theory and its contemporary developments and adherents. Akers offers a clear explanation of each theory (the central concepts and hypotheses of each theory as well as critical criteria for evaluating each theory in terms...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0935732519
• ISBN13: 9780935732511
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Roxbury Publishing Company
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

One of the best

A few years ago I carefully compared several texts on criminology, particularly looking for one that might address not theories, but also the extent to which they are supported by empirical evidence. This book was among the best, in terms of thoroughness, and in terms of analytical clarity (another is a text by Vold and others, and a third is by Shoemaker).

A Good Resource for Comps

This book gives a great overview of the major theories in criminology today. The author outlines each theory, assessing how well it has been supported by empirical evidence. Of course, you walk away with a postive feeling about social learning theory, which suprise!suprise! is his own pet theory. I don't hold that against him; he evaluates his own theory as rigorously as the rest. He may just be a bit more energetic about stressing its empirical support. :) Not only a great resource for studying for comprehensive exams but a good book for an undergraduate or graduate course on criminology. I recommend it highly!