The Handbook of Criminological Theory

Bringing order and insight to a vast field that is constantly evolving, this handbook provides up–to–date, in–depth summaries of the most important theories in criminology, from classic deterrence theory and social disorganization to modern labeling theory and integrated theory. These original essays are clearly and accessibly written by top scholars in the field as well as up–and–coming scholars. For each theory, the handbook describes origins and assumptions, assesses current debates and research, points out knowledge gaps, offers directions for future research, and includes recommendations for further reading. In addition to discussion of specific theories, the essays address a host of broader issues and topics related to the field, such as the correlates of crime, testing theory, policy implications, and prediction. Encompassing theory, research, policy, and practice, this is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners at all levels.

Alex R. Piquero is Ashbel Smith Professor in the Program in Criminology in the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is also Adjunct Professor at the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice, and Governance at Griffith University, Australia, and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Violence and Injury Prevention in the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. He is co–editor of the Journal of Quantitative Criminology and has published over 240 peer–reviewed articles in the areas of criminal careers, crime prevention, criminological theory, and quantitative research methods. He has collaborated on several books, including Offending from Childhood to Late Middle Age: Recent Results from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (2013), Handbook of Quantitative Criminology (2011), and Key Issues in Criminal Careers Research: New Analyses of the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (2007).