Policy Press

An Introduction To Critical Criminology

By Pamela Ugwudike

Published

Jun 1, 2025

Page count

272 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1529207354

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 1, 2025

Page count

272 pages

Edition

2nd Edition

ISBN

978-1529207378

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
An Introduction To Critical Criminology

The second edition of this popular textbook introduces key critical criminological theories and perspectives for students of criminology, sociology and social policy. Written by an experienced academic, it offers a one-stop guide to foundational and contemporary theories, introducing students to perspectives that challenge mainstream perspectives on the causes of crime and the operation of the criminal justice system.

The text analyses how critical criminology has progressed from its origins in the 1960s in the face of rapid social, economic, cultural and political change and the advent of the digital age. Updated throughout to reflect more recent theoretical and empirical developments in critical criminology and with new chapters on digital penology and future directions for the discipline, the text features:

• end-of-chapter summary boxes;

• sample essay questions.

Pamela Ugwudike is Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Southampton.

Introduction

Part 1: Foundational Critical Criminology

What Is Critical Criminology?

The Labelling Perspective

Conflict Perspectives In Criminology

Marxist Criminology

Part 2: Critiquing Foundational Critical Criminology: Challenges From Left And Right

The Advent Of Neo-Conservative Criminology

Left Realism: Criticisms From Within?

Feminist Critiques

Part 3: Contemporary Critical Criminology: New Directions

Critical Perspectives On Crimes Of The Powerful

Green Criminology

Cultural Criminology

Critical Race Theory

Part 4: Critical Perspectives On Punishment

Punishment And Control

Critical Digital Penology

Part 5: Conclusions

Future Directions In Critical Criminology