New criminology

New criminology refers to a theoretical and methodological approach in the field of criminology that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by a critical and radical departure from traditional criminological theories and methods, which were seen as being too narrow, conservative, and focused on individual pathology.

The new criminology was influenced by various intellectual and social movements of the time, including Marxism, feminism, and critical theory. It sought to challenge the dominant paradigms in criminology, which were seen as being too focused on individual deviance and too neglectful of the social and structural factors that contribute to crime.

Some of the key features of the new criminology include:

  1. Critique of traditional criminology: The new criminology challenged the dominant paradigms in criminology, which were seen as being too narrow, conservative, and focused on individual pathology.
  2. Focus on social and structural factors: The new criminology emphasized the importance of social and structural factors, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, in understanding crime and criminal behavior.
  3. Critical analysis of power and control: The new criminology examined the ways in which power and control are exercised in society, and how these dynamics contribute to crime and criminal behavior.
  4. Emphasis on human rights and social justice: The new criminology emphasized the importance of human rights and social justice in understanding crime and criminal behavior, and in developing effective crime prevention and control strategies.
  5. Interdisciplinary approach: The new criminology drew on insights and methods from a range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, economics, and politics.

Some of the key figures associated with the new criminology include:

  1. Jock Young: A British criminologist who is known for his work on the new criminology and its critique of traditional criminological theories.
  2. Ian Taylor: A British criminologist who is known for his work on the new criminology and its emphasis on the importance of social and structural factors in understanding crime and criminal behavior.
  3. Paul Rock: A British criminologist who is known for his work on the new criminology and its emphasis on the importance of human rights and social justice in understanding crime and criminal behavior.
  4. Richard Quinney: An American criminologist who is known for his work on the new criminology and its emphasis on the importance of social and structural factors in understanding crime and criminal behavior.

Some of the key texts associated with the new criminology include:

  1. Jock Young, "The New Criminology" (1971)
  2. Ian Taylor, "Punishment, Crime and Justice" (1979)
  3. Paul Rock, "The Social Construction of Crime" (1986)
  4. Richard Quinney, "Criminology: An Interdisciplinary Approach" (1977)

The new criminology has had a significant impact on the field of criminology, and its ideas and approaches continue to influence criminological research and policy to this day.