An Introduction To Critical Criminology

by Pamela Ugwudike

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529207354
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x (d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

​"This clearly written introduction is a welcome addition. Pamela Ugwudike presents complex ideas in an accessible fashion, revealing the weighty contribution of critical perspectives within criminology and including under-represented feminist and critical race theories." Professor Mary Bosworth, University of Oxford & Editor, Theoretical Criminology

"Ugwudike has done an excellent job, drawing together many of the radical, critical and conflict voices and perspectives in criminology, while evaluating them in a way that will be both interesting and accessible for readers." Peter Squires, University of Brighton

"A well positioned text and it is pleasing to see the breadth of topic areas....especially good to see dedicated chapters on Critical Race Theory and sufficient dedicated space to Green Criminology and Crimes of the Powerful" Paul Taylor, University of Chester, textbook adopter

Editorial Reviews

“This clearly written introduction is a welcome addition. Ugwudike presents complex ideas in an accessible fashion, revealing the weighty contribution of critical perspectives within criminology and including underrepresented feminist and critical race theories.

Mary Bosworth

“An incisive introduction to critical criminology that is rich in theoretical concepts and illustrated with vivid examples. This is a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.

Brian Burtch

“Ugwudike has done an excellent job, drawing together many of the radical, critical, and conflict voices and perspectives in criminology, while evaluating them in a way that will be both interesting and accessible for readers.

Peter Squires

“A wonderfully written account of both the foundations and contemporary theoretical priorities of critical criminologists. Essential reading for students, teachers, and researchers.

David Scott

​“An incisive introduction to critical criminology that is rich in theoretical concepts and illustrated with vivid examples. This is a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.” Dr Brian Burtch, Simon Fraser University, Canada

“A wonderfully written account of both the foundations and contemporary theoretical priorities of critical criminologists. Essential reading for students, teachers and researchers." David Scott, Liverpool John Moores University

"Recommended reading for anyone interested in critical criminology. It covers essential ground in an accessible and interesting fashion. So much so that it is a core text for students studying criminological theories." Kareen Corteen, School of Law, Liverpool John Moores University

From the Publisher