NCJ Number
166216
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 1 & 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1996) Pages: 15-29
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper assesses the current state of theory in the field of comparative criminology and offers some suggestions for correcting the theoretical void.
Abstract
Scholars are increasingly interested in comparative criminology, as evidenced by the expanding body of published research and the growing number of college courses, symposia and conferences devoted to comparative topics. Comparative criminology has the potential to enhance the visibility, relevance and prestige of the discipline, but has not matured as a theoretically sophisticated field. This paper has three main objectives: (1) to demonstrate that comparative criminology is theoretically lean by examining much of the literature published in the last decade; (2) to suggest ways in which different theoretical approaches could be applied to comparative analyses to reinvigorate the field; and (3) to rekindle an interest in theoretical development and scholarly debate among comparative criminologists. Theories are crucial to the development and maturation of any scientific discipline, and future efforts in comparative criminology need to be more attentive to theoretical concerns. Tables, notes, references