Includes bibliographical references and index.

"This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to c riminological theory for students taking courses in criminology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The text is divided into five pa rts, the first three addressing ideal type models of criminal behaviour the rational actor, predestined actor, and victimised actor models. Th e fourth part discusses integrated theories from within and across mode l boundaries and the final part discusses theories in the postmodern co ndition. Within these the various criminological theories are located c hronologically in the context of one of these different traditions, and the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and model are clearly iden tified. The new edition features comprehensive coverage of recent devel opments in criminology including situation action theory, desistance th eory, peacemaking criminology, as well as Loèic Wacquant's thesis of th e penal society. Pedagogical features include chapter summaries, critic al thinking questions and a full glossary of terms and theories"-- P rovided by publisher.