Criminological theory texts typically follow a conventional format. Diverse writings are neatly packaged into schools of thought, which are given clear labels and conveyed a chapter at a time, with topics like control theory in one chapter and strain theory in another.The Oxford Handbook of Criminological Theory takes a different approach across the criminological landscape. The volume is organized not around schools of thought but around themes that shape much thinking about and research on crime. This more unconventional approach seeks to show that criminological theory is not static but dynamic. In fact, most prominent scholars do not spend their time commenting upon and retesting theoretical propositions that have existed for many years. Rather, they move into more novel areas--areas often located in the interstitial junctures between more traditional theories. This Oxford Handbook presents a series of essays that captures not the past of criminology, but where theoretical explanation is headed. As a result, the volume is replete with new ideas, discussions of substantive topics with salient theoretical implications, and reviews and interpretations of literatures that illuminate promising avenues along which theory and research should evolve. Special attention is paid to how criminal participation is shaped intimately by individual traits, diverse social contexts, the situations in which the choice of crime is made, and exposure to coercive experiences. Each chapter can be read on its own--as furnishing an important analysis of a given theoretical issue--yet read as a whole, The Oxford Handbook of Criminological Theory offers a unique and deep understanding of criminology at its cutting edge.

PrefaceContributorsSection 1 Individual and SocietyPart I. Biosocial Criminology1. Revisiting LombrosoMatt DeLisi2. Biology and CrimeMelissa Peskin, Yu Gao, Andrea L. Glenn, Anna Rudo-Hutt, Yaling Yang, andAdrian Raine3. Parenting and CrimeJohn Paul Wright and Kevin M. BeaverPart II. Individuals and Crime4. The Psychology of Criminal ConductPaula Smith5. Risk Factors and CrimeEmily E. Tanner-Smith, Sandra Jo Wilson, and Mark W. LipseyPart III. Social Sources of Offending6. Social Learning and CrimeEmily Salisbury7. Hirschi's CriminologyBarbara J. Costello8. General Strain and Urban Youth ViolenceTimothy Brezina and Robert Agnew9. Social Support and CrimeMatthew D. Makarios and Tara LivelsbergerPart IV. Crime and the Life Course10. Life-Course-Persistent OffendersShawn D. Bushway11. Change in Offending across the Life CourseChristopher J. Sullivan12. Two Approaches to Developmental/Life-Course TheorizingDavid P. Farrington and Rolf LoeberSection 2 Contexts of OffendingPart V. Peers, Gangs, and Crime13. Peer Networks and CrimeDana L. Haynie and Derek A. Kreager14. Contemporary Gang EthnographiesScott Decker and David Pyrooz15. Girls, Friends, and DelinquencyJean Marie McGloin and Stephanie DiPietro16. Gender and Theories of DelinquencyStacy De Coster, Karen Heimer, and Samantha R. CumleyPart VI. Communities and Crime17. Neighborhood Ties, Control, and CrimeBarbara D. Warner and Audrey C. Clubb18. Community, Inequality, and CrimeGraham C. Ousey and Matthew R. Lee19. Street Culture and CrimeMark T. Berg and Eric A. Stewart20. The Code of the Suburb and Drug DealingScott Jacques and Richard WrightPart VII. The American Experience and Crime21. Social Institutions and CrimeSteven F. Messner, Richard Rosenfeld, and Susanne Karstedt22. The Market Economy and CrimeElliott Currie23. Immigration and CrimeCharis E. KubrinSection 3 Choice and OpportunityPart VIII. Deciding to Offend24. Choosing Street CrimeRichard Wright and Volkan Topalli25. Choosing White-Collar CrimeNeal Shover, Andy Hochstetler, and Tage Alalehto26. Emotions, Choice, and CrimeMichael L. Benson and Tara LivelsbergerPart IX. Opportunity Theories27. Routine Activity TheoryArelys Madero-Hernandez and Bonnie S. Fisher28. The Theory of Target SearchPaul J. Brantingham and Patricia L. Brantingham29. Crime Places and Place ManagementTamara D. Madensen and John E. Eck30. Multilevel Criminal OpportunityPamela Wilcox, Brooke Miller Gialopsos, and Kenneth C. LandSection 4 Theories of Power and PunishmentPart X. Critical Criminology31. Coercion and CrimeThomas Vander Ven and Mark Colvin32. Green CriminologyMichael J. Lynch and Paul B. StreteskyPart XI. Theories of the Criminal Sanction33. Perceptual Deterrence TheoryRay Paternoster and Ronet Bachman34. The Effects of ImprisonmentCheryl Lero Jonson35. Coercive MobilityNatasha A. Frost and Todd R. ClearIndex