Criminology

Ever wondered what truly drives someone to commit a crime? This complete introduction to criminology gives you the tools to understand the complex world of criminal behavior, from its root causes to the societal responses it provokes. You'll move beyond sensational headlines and gain a real, academic understanding of crime. Learn to think like a criminologist by exploring key theories, historical perspectives, and modern debates. You’ll investigate how factors like psychology, social class, and politics shape criminal justice systems and discover how we measure, police, and punish crime in contemporary society.

Peter Joyce is a Principal Lecturer in Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he has taught and researched the subject for over twenty-five years. His extensive academic career, combined with experience working within the criminal justice system as a probation officer, provides the unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world insight that shapes this book. This background gives him a distinctive ability to make complex criminological concepts accessible and engaging for new learners.