Michael Rocque

Nicole Rafter

Chad Posick

A lively, up-to-date overview of the newest research in biosocial criminology What is the relationship between criminality and biology? Nineteenth-century phrenologists insisted that criminality was innate, inherent in the offender’s brain matter. While they were eventually repudiated as pseudo-scientists, today the pendulum has swung back. Both criminologists and biologists have begun to speak of a tantalizing but disturbing possibility: that criminality may be inherited as a set of genetic deficits that place one at risk to commit theft, violence, or acts of sexual deviance. But what do these new theories really assert? Are they as dangerous as their forerunners, which the Nazis and other eugenicists used to sterilize, incarcerate, and even execute thousands of supposed “born” criminals? How can we prepare for a future in which leaders may propose crime-control programs based on biology? In this second edition of The Criminal Brain, Nicole Rafter, Chad Posick, and Michael Rocque describe early biological theories of crime and provide a lively, up-to-date overview of the newest research in biosocial criminology. New chapters introduce the theories of the latter part of the 20th century; apply and critically assess current biosocial and evolutionary theories, the developments in neuro-imaging, and recent progressions in fields such as epigenetics; and finally, provide a vision for the future of criminology and crime policy from a biosocial perspective. The book is a careful, critical examination of each research approach and conclusion. Both compiling and analyzing the body of scholarship devoted to understanding the criminal brain, this volume serves as a condensed, accessible, and contemporary exploration of biological theories of crime and their everyday relevance.

Understanding Biological Theories of Crime

The Criminal Brain, Second Edition

J. C. Barnes

Presenting a biopsychosocial perspective to explain the most common findings in criminology--and for guiding future research and public policy

An Invitation to Biopsychosocial Criminology

Fitting the Facts of Crime

Jonathan A. Grubb

"This book offers a straightforward and vibrant approach to the study of criminal behavior and contemporary criminal justice issues through the use of popular TV shows. Students, researchers, and anyone else interested in crime will find this book an accessible and informative resource for understanding the causes of crime and how society responds to crime"--

Streaming Criminology in Popular Culture

Crime TV

This book explores the role of theory and research in criminology. Adopting a unique and refreshing approach to criminological theory, this book focuses on the great debates in criminology from its inception as a field to the present day. It explores the debates that have motivated criminological thought, that have represented turning points in theoretical and empirical trajectories, that have offered mini-paradigm shifts, and that have moved the field forward. Coverage includes: Classical Debates, including the work of Lombroso, Durkheim and Sutherland, Sociological vs. psychological debates in criminology, Control theory and cultural deviance theory, Criminal career and trait-based theory, Theory testing in criminology, Critical theories in criminology, Debates on the state of criminology and criminal justice, Policy issues in criminology. Each chapter explores several key debates, summarizes key points, and offers a discussion of its current empirical status. This book is novel in emphasising the role of debate in criminology and offering an enlightening synthesis of theorists and their perspectives. It is essential reading for students taking courses on criminological theory and teachers of those theories. A companion website will include a sample syllabus, PowerPoint lecture slides, examples of assignments, and a test bank with sample exams for instructors, and video and website links, a glossary of important terms, audio content, and study guides for students.

Chad Posick

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