NCJ Number
148578
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1994) Pages: 204-225
Date Published
1994
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study identified the most influential criminologists in the major English-speaking countries during the most recent half-decade, 1986-90.
Abstract
For the purpose of the study, the most "influential" criminologists were defined as those who were the most cited in the major criminological journals of Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The journals examined were the British Journal of Criminology, Criminology, the Canadian Journal of Criminology, and the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology. A combined score showed that four American criminologists were particularly influential in all major countries: Marvin E. Wolfgang, Alfred Blumstein, James Q. Wilson, and Michael J. Hindelang. This preeminence was connected with longitudinal research on criminal careers (Wolfgang, Blumstein), measuring crime (Wolfgang, Blumstein, Hindeland), correlates of crime (Hindelang, Wilson), and public policy discussions (Wilson). Adding a fifth major journal (Justice Quarterly) did not substantially change the conclusions. Generally, the most influential criminologists in the United States also tended to be influential everywhere else; whereas, the most influential criminologists in other countries might be influential nowhere else. 6 tables and 52 references