There is no shortage of theories examining crime. A key part of your studies will be examining criminological theory and its application to understanding criminal behavior and mitigating the harm caused by crime. During your studies you’re likely to notice that approaches to combatting crime, including the focus of the criminal justice system is shaped by the theories, research and evidence available at the time.
We have prepared a short-timeline to introduce just some of the key theorists and works that not only were influential in their day but continue to shape our understanding of crime and its impacts. In addition to the timeline we have noted some additional resources you can explore. Remember that it is up to you to have a critical mind when reviewing these materials, particularly web content.
Books and Journals
Haward, K., Maruna, S. & Mooney, J. (eds) 2009. Fifty Key Thinkers in Criminology. New York: Routledge.
Miller, J. Mitchell, (ed.) 2014. The Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology. Chichester, UK: Wiley Blackwell.
The ‘jrank’ search engine provides links to sociological and psychological theories associated with crime causation. Accessing the main pages pertaining to the broad theoretical perspective will provide further links to specific theories, for example, strain theory, control theory, critical theories, family influences and more.
