Critical Criminology
Overview
This week we will focus on the last crop of theories we are going to discuss in this class. We begin by identifying the difference between mainstream and critical criminology. The critical perspectives, including conflict criminology, new critical criminology, postmodernism, and radical—Marxist—criminology are discussed. Multiple theories describe the role of the state, political actors, and/or capitalism in creating a culture of conflict. New critical criminology describes left realism, peacemaking, and postmodernism. Discussion of the critical theories ends with a description of radical or Marxist criminology, which emphasizes the role of capitalism in creating opportunities for crime. Consequently, those of lower socioeconomic status are criminalized to a much greater extent than others.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this week, you will be able to:
- Compare and contrast critical and mainstream criminological theories.
- Summarize the basic elements of conflict criminology.
- Identify the emerging perspectives in new critical criminology.
- Describe radical Criminology’s view on capitalism and crime.
Readings
Crimes of the powerful. Open Learn Course from Open University: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/society-politics-law/crimes-the-powerful/content-section-1
Chapter 16 in Piquero, Alex R.. The Handbook of Criminological Theory, edited by Melissa L. Rorie, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/bmcc/reader.action?docID=4035968&ppg=327
Access the chapter here.
The_Handbook_of_Criminological_Theory_-_16_Critical_Criminology-2Videos
Discussion Forum
PowerPoint
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