Criminology Today: An Integrative Introduction

by Frank J. Schmalleger

Criminology An Integrative Introduction 4e is a clear, contemporary and comprehensive introduction to the study of criminology. Offering a thematic approach that contrasts the social responsibility and social problems approaches to crime theory, the book encourages readers to think critically about the causes of crime. Introduces the field of criminology in the 21 st century with completely up-to-date coverage of sociological theories of crime, terrorism and white collar and high tech crime (including identity theft, cyber-terrorism, computer viruses, hacking and more). Contemporary coverage features breaking crime news pulled from today’s headlines. Part “Crime Causation Revisited” expands the coverage of historical and contemporary sociological theories of crime causation. Also features important topics such as (Ch. 3) Research Methods; ( Ch. 15) Criminology and Social Policy; and (Ch. 16) Future Directions. For criminal justice practitioners or those in law enforcement.

Genres: Sociology, Textbooks

558 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Armen Babajanian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been an outstanding textbook — the early chapters are strong, data-driven, and present criminological theory with real clarity. But the moment gender topics appear, the tone shifts into persistent ideological messaging. Sections like “Gender Differences in Criminality,” “Feminist Criminology,” and parts of the victimization chapters read less like balanced scholarship and more like political advocacy.

Men are framed again and again as inherently more violent, aggressive, and dangerous — with almost no equal space given to female offending, judicial leniency for women, or the fact that many crimes more common to women (psychological abuse, indirect aggression, social sabotage) aren’t criminalized or reported in the same way. The book repeatedly omits these facts, creating a distorted picture that unfairly vilifies one gender while excusing or ignoring the other.

A perfect example of how this bias distorts understanding is the case of Anders Breivik. From a purely “gender differences” lens, the book’s framing would treat him as just another example of male violence and “male criminality.” Yet anyone who reads the documented history of his childhood — years of severe emotional abuse by his mother — can clearly see a deeper causal chain in which female-perpetrated abuse played a major role in shaping his instability. That kind of context is essential to real criminology, but in this book’s framing, it’s erased in favor of the simpler “male = problem” narrative.

If you read critically, skip the loaded sections, and stick to the purely theoretical material, you’ll find value here. But anyone expecting an objective, agenda-free treatment of criminology will be disappointed. The bias is too overt, too persistent, and too corrosive to the book’s credibility.

[Maria Simonetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introductory text for Criminology. Purchased this for a class during my undergrad and finally finished it cover to cover as I’m prepping for comprehensive exams in my doctoral program. Many excellent examples and covers nearly all of the theories in criminology.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is long and drags on, but as textbooks go its one of the better ones. This is why it gets a three.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a text, this book read easy and hit all he major issues. The focus was on theoretical perspectives and policy/enforcement implications. Informative.

[Ken Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required college read...

[Arnpoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've yet to find a Schmalleger book that doesn't seriously rock.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very interesting to read, inspiring further exploration on the subject.

[Mukalazi Livingstone]

I love this book