Biosocial Criminology

Biosocial criminologists seek to explain crime (and related anti-social behaviour) by exploring both biological and environmental factors. Combining perspectives from mainstream Criminology and Sociology, with contributions from those working in disciplines such as Genetics, Neuropsychology, and Evolutionary Psychology, Biosocial Criminology is now a well-established—if heterogeneous and contentious—field of study. As Biosocial Criminology continues to develop, this new title from Routledge, edited by two distinguished scholars, meets the need for an authoritative, one-stop reference work to make sense of the wide range of approaches, theories, and concepts that have contributed to its growth.

In four volumes, the collection assembles the best and most influential empirical, theoretical, and political contributions made by biosocial criminologists from around the world. The gathered works cover not only the history of Biosocial Criminology and cutting-edge theories, but also explore a variety of research methods used by leading scholars and the rich data generated by their rigorous empirical work.

With a full index, together with a comprehensive introduction, newly written by the editors, which places the collected material in its historical and intellectual context,Biosocial Criminology is an essential work of reference. The collection will be particularly useful as a database allowing scattered and often fugitive material to be easily located. It will also be welcomed as a crucial tool permitting rapid access to less familiar—and sometimes overlooked—texts. For researchers, students, and policy-makers, it is an essential one-stop research and pedagogic resource.

Matt DeLisi, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Criminal Justice; Center for the Study of Violence, Iowa State University, USA; and Michael G. Vaughn, Saint Louis University, USA