Critical Criminology

Definition of Critical Criminology

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Critical Criminology: A form of criminology (the study of crime) using a conflict perspective of some kind: Marxism, feminism, political economy theory or critical theory. In all of these, the focus is on locating the genesis of crime and the interpretation of what is ‘justice’ within a structure of class and status inequalities. Law and the definition and punishment of crime are then seen as connected to a system of social inequality and as tools for the reproduction of this inequality. See: CLASSICAL CRIMINOLOGY in this legal dictionary and in the world encyclopedia of law.

Critical Criminology: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Critical Criminology. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada