An Introduction to Critical Criminology

“An incisive introduction to critical criminology that is rich in theoretical concepts and illustrated with vivid examples. This is a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.” Dr Brian Burtch, Simon Fraser University, Canada

“A wonderfully written account of both the foundations and contemporary theoretical priorities of critical criminologists. Essential reading for students, teachers and researchers." David Scott, Liverpool John Moores University

"Recommended reading for anyone interested in critical criminology. It covers essential ground in an accessible and interesting fashion. So much so that it is a core text for students studying criminological theories." Kareen Corteen, School of Law, Liverpool John Moores University

"This clearly written introduction is a welcome addition. Pamela Ugwudike presents complex ideas in an accessible fashion, revealing the weighty contribution of critical perspectives within criminology and including under-represented feminist and critical race theories." Professor Mary Bosworth, University of Oxford & Editor, Theoretical Criminology

"Ugwudike has done an excellent job, drawing together many of the radical, critical and conflict voices and perspectives in criminology, while evaluating them in a way that will be both interesting and accessible for readers." Peter Squires, University of Brighton

"A well positioned text and it is pleasing to see the breadth of topic areas....especially good to see dedicated chapters on Critical Race Theory and sufficient dedicated space to Green Criminology and Crimes of the Powerful" Paul Taylor, University of Chester, textbook adopter

Dr Pamela Ugwudike is Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Southampton, a Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a co-Editor-in-Chief of Criminology and Criminal Justice Journal (the flagship Journal of the British Society of Criminology). She has taught critical criminology for many years and also has international expertise in multidisciplinary research on the ethics and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, with a focus on the data-driven technologies deployed by justice systems.

Introduction;

Part One: Foundational critical criminology;

What is critical criminology?;

The labelling perspective;

Conflict perspectives in criminology;

Marxist criminology;

Part Two: Critiquing foundational critical criminology: challenges from Left and Right;

The advent of neo-conservative criminology;

Left realism: criticisms from within?;

Feminist critiques;

Part Three: Contemporary critical criminology;

Critical perspectives on crimes of the powerful;

Green criminology;

Cultural criminology;

Critical Race Theory;

Part Four: Critical perspectives on punishment;

Punishment and control;

Part Five: Conclusions;

Future directions in critical criminology.