Criminological Theory Past To Present 6th Edition Pdf Free
If you are interested in studying criminology and the science of crime, you need to understand the different theories that guide this field. One of the most comprehensive and popular textbooks in criminology is the “Criminological Theory - Past to Present” by Francis T. Cullen and Robert Agnew. In this article, we will be reviewing the 6th edition of this book, which is available as a free pdf download. We will be discussing the book's content, its relevance for students and researchers, and its strengths and weaknesses as a textbook.
What is Criminological Theory - Past to Present and its importance?
Criminological Theory - Past to Present is a textbook that offers a comprehensive overview of the different theoretical perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. The book discusses the major schools of thought in criminology, from classical and positivist theories to social learning and critical perspectives. In addition, the book offers an overview of contemporary perspectives on crime and justice, including feminist, cultural, and postmodern theories.
The book is important for several reasons. First, it offers a thorough and balanced overview of the different criminological theories that have been developed throughout history. This is crucial for students and researchers who are trying to build a solid foundation in criminology. Second, the book emphasizes the relevance of criminological theories to policy and practice. This makes it useful for policymakers and practitioners who need to understand the underlying causes of crime and develop effective interventions.
What are the contents of the 6th edition?
The 6th edition of Criminological Theory - Past to Present offers several updates and revisions from previous editions. It includes new chapters on cultural criminology, peacemaking criminology, and contemporary critical criminology. The book also includes revised chapters on classical and positivist theories, social learning theories, strain theories, and feminist theories. In addition, the book offers new case studies and discussion questions to help readers apply criminological theories to real-world situations.
What are the strengths of Criminological Theory - Past to Present?
One of the strengths of Criminological Theory - Past to Present is its comprehensiveness. The book covers a wide range of theoretical perspectives and offers a balanced and nuanced view of each one. In addition, the book is well-organized and easy to read. The authors use clear and concise language, and they provide helpful summaries and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Another strength of the book is its relevance to real-world issues. The authors show how criminological theories can be applied to issues such as gun violence, terrorism, and mass incarceration. This makes the book useful for policymakers, practitioners, and anyone who is interested in understanding and addressing the causes of crime.
What are the weaknesses of Criminological Theory - Past to Present?
One potential weakness of Criminological Theory - Past to Present is its level of detail. The book covers a lot of ground, and some of the theories could benefit from more in-depth analysis. In addition, the book's focus on theory could make it less accessible to readers who are not familiar with criminological concepts and terminology.
Another weakness of the book is its lack of diversity. The authors acknowledge this limitation in the preface, but the book's emphasis on Western theories and perspectives could be problematic for readers who are interested in non-Western approaches to criminology.
Conclusion
Criminological Theory - Past to Present is an excellent textbook for anyone who is interested in criminology and the science of crime. The 6th edition offers several updates and revisions that make it even more comprehensive and relevant to real-world issues. While the book has some potential weaknesses, its strengths outweigh them, making it an essential resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.