The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Not that useful, 25 Oct 2007
Despite being a recommended book for OU sociology courses, this doesn't cover a lot of sociological concepts. Very disappointing, and I'm going to have to get another sociological dictionary that covers the ground more completely.

First class book - buy the second edition!, 16 Jan 2005
First published in 1984 and now extensively revised and updated, this is an essential reference book for any student of the social sciences, to stand alongside your dictionary and thesaurus. Although it self-defines as being concerned with 'sociology', much of the content of this tome will be useful to social work students, psychologists, even students of literature and languages.

Described as offering one line definitions of a wide range of social science concepts, the book does actually go into its definitions in a little more depth. You will find extensive entries on many of the major figures of social science, plus well-presented and highly accessible analyses of such concepts as 'alienation' or 'anomie' - both being conditions you are likely to experience when writing an essay ... and both being capable of amelioration by using this neat little volume of crib notes.

I have a degree and a Masters in sociology; I work in social work. I've carried this little volume around with me since 1984 and still find it very useful, from time to time. It's now into its second edition - make sure that is what you get, because the earlier edition was before postmodernism ... and you wouldn't want to miss out on that! It won't actually pass your exams for you, but it is a reassuring little friend to have handy when doing revision or writing essays ... how do you spell 'ethnomethodology', and what does it all mean?

sociology made easy., 01 Nov 2002
This is an excellent book , if like me you are a beginner to this subject . Explanations of terms used are written in an easy to understand way .Makes the complicated seem simple .

This is a superb source of reference and easy to use!, 25 Mar 2001
Initially, I thought that being a Penguin book, this dictionary would not be mature enough for a Sociology A level. But I was wrong. I must inform you that you cannot pass with this alone! When used together with a text book, you will have all the information needed to pass A-level. This is a detailed listing of sociological terms in alphabetical order. It does not however, relate the terms to real life. It does contain large amounts of sociological studies which are useful. Honestly, it could do with some photographs and references to real life situations but is well worth buying. It is very useful for revision purposes as it is easy to use and find information on specific topics. This would make coursework a breeze as you have all of the terms at your fingertips and you know exactly what they mean. The Bibliography is also a great help as you gain extra points for talking about Sociologists and their studies. It is a good reminder, if you already have the knowledge! Extremely good value for money and well worth buying!!! But I reccommend you buy another book to use with it.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Not that useful, 25 Oct 2007
Despite being a recommended book for OU sociology courses, this doesn't cover a lot of sociological concepts. Very disappointing, and I'm going to have to get another sociological dictionary that covers the ground more completely.

First class book - buy the second edition!, 16 Jan 2005
First published in 1984 and now extensively revised and updated, this is an essential reference book for any student of the social sciences, to stand alongside your dictionary and thesaurus. Although it self-defines as being concerned with 'sociology', much of the content of this tome will be useful to social work students, psychologists, even students of literature and languages.

Described as offering one line definitions of a wide range of social science concepts, the book does actually go into its definitions in a little more depth. You will find extensive entries on many of the major figures of social science, plus well-presented and highly accessible analyses of such concepts as 'alienation' or 'anomie' - both being conditions you are likely to experience when writing an essay ... and both being capable of amelioration by using this neat little volume of crib notes.

I have a degree and a Masters in sociology; I work in social work. I've carried this little volume around with me since 1984 and still find it very useful, from time to time. It's now into its second edition - make sure that is what you get, because the earlier edition was before postmodernism ... and you wouldn't want to miss out on that! It won't actually pass your exams for you, but it is a reassuring little friend to have handy when doing revision or writing essays ... how do you spell 'ethnomethodology', and what does it all mean?

sociology made easy., 01 Nov 2002
This is an excellent book , if like me you are a beginner to this subject . Explanations of terms used are written in an easy to understand way .Makes the complicated seem simple .

This is a superb source of reference and easy to use!, 25 Mar 2001
Initially, I thought that being a Penguin book, this dictionary would not be mature enough for a Sociology A level. But I was wrong. I must inform you that you cannot pass with this alone! When used together with a text book, you will have all the information needed to pass A-level. This is a detailed listing of sociological terms in alphabetical order. It does not however, relate the terms to real life. It does contain large amounts of sociological studies which are useful. Honestly, it could do with some photographs and references to real life situations but is well worth buying. It is very useful for revision purposes as it is easy to use and find information on specific topics. This would make coursework a breeze as you have all of the terms at your fingertips and you know exactly what they mean. The Bibliography is also a great help as you gain extra points for talking about Sociologists and their studies. It is a good reminder, if you already have the knowledge! Extremely good value for money and well worth buying!!! But I reccommend you buy another book to use with it.

Indispensible, 13 Oct 2002
In a nutshell, the comprehensive entries, covering the broad spectrum that is Human Geography, make this book a must for all students of the subject. Also provides useful reference points for any further reading you may wish to do.

It is more than perfect, 30 Jan 2001
This book is one of the most relevant books to those who study geography, demography, and population studies in general

A never-fail reference wonder!, 07 Jan 2001
As a student of Human geography, I often require a clear and concise definition of terms for my research and essay writing. This book never fails to provide me with such, giving a clear definition, context and background to every term and issue a human geographer could think of...and plenty more that he/she couldn't!

The book is more than just a dictionary, it is a collection of articles and related material that offers a wide range of viewpoints and extra reading at every opportunity. Very well put together, very well researched, well worth your while.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Not that useful, 25 Oct 2007
Despite being a recommended book for OU sociology courses, this doesn't cover a lot of sociological concepts. Very disappointing, and I'm going to have to get another sociological dictionary that covers the ground more completely.

First class book - buy the second edition!, 16 Jan 2005
First published in 1984 and now extensively revised and updated, this is an essential reference book for any student of the social sciences, to stand alongside your dictionary and thesaurus. Although it self-defines as being concerned with 'sociology', much of the content of this tome will be useful to social work students, psychologists, even students of literature and languages.

Described as offering one line definitions of a wide range of social science concepts, the book does actually go into its definitions in a little more depth. You will find extensive entries on many of the major figures of social science, plus well-presented and highly accessible analyses of such concepts as 'alienation' or 'anomie' - both being conditions you are likely to experience when writing an essay ... and both being capable of amelioration by using this neat little volume of crib notes.

I have a degree and a Masters in sociology; I work in social work. I've carried this little volume around with me since 1984 and still find it very useful, from time to time. It's now into its second edition - make sure that is what you get, because the earlier edition was before postmodernism ... and you wouldn't want to miss out on that! It won't actually pass your exams for you, but it is a reassuring little friend to have handy when doing revision or writing essays ... how do you spell 'ethnomethodology', and what does it all mean?

sociology made easy., 01 Nov 2002
This is an excellent book , if like me you are a beginner to this subject . Explanations of terms used are written in an easy to understand way .Makes the complicated seem simple .

This is a superb source of reference and easy to use!, 25 Mar 2001
Initially, I thought that being a Penguin book, this dictionary would not be mature enough for a Sociology A level. But I was wrong. I must inform you that you cannot pass with this alone! When used together with a text book, you will have all the information needed to pass A-level. This is a detailed listing of sociological terms in alphabetical order. It does not however, relate the terms to real life. It does contain large amounts of sociological studies which are useful. Honestly, it could do with some photographs and references to real life situations but is well worth buying. It is very useful for revision purposes as it is easy to use and find information on specific topics. This would make coursework a breeze as you have all of the terms at your fingertips and you know exactly what they mean. The Bibliography is also a great help as you gain extra points for talking about Sociologists and their studies. It is a good reminder, if you already have the knowledge! Extremely good value for money and well worth buying!!! But I reccommend you buy another book to use with it.

Indispensible, 13 Oct 2002
In a nutshell, the comprehensive entries, covering the broad spectrum that is Human Geography, make this book a must for all students of the subject. Also provides useful reference points for any further reading you may wish to do.

It is more than perfect, 30 Jan 2001
This book is one of the most relevant books to those who study geography, demography, and population studies in general

A never-fail reference wonder!, 07 Jan 2001
As a student of Human geography, I often require a clear and concise definition of terms for my research and essay writing. This book never fails to provide me with such, giving a clear definition, context and background to every term and issue a human geographer could think of...and plenty more that he/she couldn't!

The book is more than just a dictionary, it is a collection of articles and related material that offers a wide range of viewpoints and extra reading at every opportunity. Very well put together, very well researched, well worth your while.

Reasonable anthropology introduction, with some fascinating examples, 27 Sep 2008
A reasonable introduction into anthropology, splitting halfway between a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the field and examples of cultural diversity in various areas (religion, possessions, relationships, etc.). The examples are completely fascinating, but the theoretical discussions are somewhat dry and although they don't shirk from describing the mammoth difficulties in studying a different culture, to my mind betray the shaky pseudo-scientific ground that anthropology rests on.

A very Smart Introduction, 19 Jun 2005
The authors manage, within severe space restrictions, to convey the essential features of their discipline, an outline of its history and development, and an indication of the philosophical and moral issues that it raises.

Monaghan's work with the Mixtec of Central America and Just's work with the Dou Donggo of Indonesia are used as sources for the anecdotal details that are used throughout the book to illustrate aspects of anthropology. This is very much a description of anthropology as a practical endeavour, a hands-on discipline whose theories are firmly grounded in the everyday lives of human beings.

Broader theoretical contexts, such as are found in Marxism or Structuralism, are touched on but no more. Those are the things you go on to read about after your appetite has been whetted by an excellent introduction such as this.

Nearly does what it intends, 09 Oct 2002
I am not an anthropologist, but this book admirably delivers a real sense of the diversity of human culture in today's world. The history (or histories) of anthropology becomes the grounding for the scholarly elucidation of key issues, which are illustrated by some memorable anecdotes. Perhaps its obvious albeit minor failing to the non-specialist is the way it simply comes down on the side of cultural relativism (as against internationalism in human rights), minus any substantial debate or sense of whether this is the prevailing view within anthropology.

A reasonably accessible introduction to anthropology, 27 Sep 2001
This 'very short' 150 page introduction provides a reasonably accessible entry into the world of anthropology.

The discussion is inevitably fairly abstract, considering a subject matter as diverse as religion, society, and identity, for example, but the authors attempt to bring the book to life through examples drawn from their experiences. This device is admirable and largely effective, although their experience is necessarily limited to a small number of communities; the book would have benefitted from a more wide-ranging portfolio of examples.

Nevertheless, the book is largely successful in its purpose and is likely to prove useful to those already drawn to the subject. For those with no more than a passing interest, the book is too academic. It is not as accessible or entertaining as some contributions in other scientific fields, such as Dawkins' 'Selfish Gene' or Fortey's 'Trilobite !'.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Not that useful, 25 Oct 2007
Despite being a recommended book for OU sociology courses, this doesn't cover a lot of sociological concepts. Very disappointing, and I'm going to have to get another sociological dictionary that covers the ground more completely.

First class book - buy the second edition!, 16 Jan 2005
First published in 1984 and now extensively revised and updated, this is an essential reference book for any student of the social sciences, to stand alongside your dictionary and thesaurus. Although it self-defines as being concerned with 'sociology', much of the content of this tome will be useful to social work students, psychologists, even students of literature and languages.

Described as offering one line definitions of a wide range of social science concepts, the book does actually go into its definitions in a little more depth. You will find extensive entries on many of the major figures of social science, plus well-presented and highly accessible analyses of such concepts as 'alienation' or 'anomie' - both being conditions you are likely to experience when writing an essay ... and both being capable of amelioration by using this neat little volume of crib notes.

I have a degree and a Masters in sociology; I work in social work. I've carried this little volume around with me since 1984 and still find it very useful, from time to time. It's now into its second edition - make sure that is what you get, because the earlier edition was before postmodernism ... and you wouldn't want to miss out on that! It won't actually pass your exams for you, but it is a reassuring little friend to have handy when doing revision or writing essays ... how do you spell 'ethnomethodology', and what does it all mean?

sociology made easy., 01 Nov 2002
This is an excellent book , if like me you are a beginner to this subject . Explanations of terms used are written in an easy to understand way .Makes the complicated seem simple .

This is a superb source of reference and easy to use!, 25 Mar 2001
Initially, I thought that being a Penguin book, this dictionary would not be mature enough for a Sociology A level. But I was wrong. I must inform you that you cannot pass with this alone! When used together with a text book, you will have all the information needed to pass A-level. This is a detailed listing of sociological terms in alphabetical order. It does not however, relate the terms to real life. It does contain large amounts of sociological studies which are useful. Honestly, it could do with some photographs and references to real life situations but is well worth buying. It is very useful for revision purposes as it is easy to use and find information on specific topics. This would make coursework a breeze as you have all of the terms at your fingertips and you know exactly what they mean. The Bibliography is also a great help as you gain extra points for talking about Sociologists and their studies. It is a good reminder, if you already have the knowledge! Extremely good value for money and well worth buying!!! But I reccommend you buy another book to use with it.

Indispensible, 13 Oct 2002
In a nutshell, the comprehensive entries, covering the broad spectrum that is Human Geography, make this book a must for all students of the subject. Also provides useful reference points for any further reading you may wish to do.

It is more than perfect, 30 Jan 2001
This book is one of the most relevant books to those who study geography, demography, and population studies in general

A never-fail reference wonder!, 07 Jan 2001
As a student of Human geography, I often require a clear and concise definition of terms for my research and essay writing. This book never fails to provide me with such, giving a clear definition, context and background to every term and issue a human geographer could think of...and plenty more that he/she couldn't!

The book is more than just a dictionary, it is a collection of articles and related material that offers a wide range of viewpoints and extra reading at every opportunity. Very well put together, very well researched, well worth your while.

Reasonable anthropology introduction, with some fascinating examples, 27 Sep 2008
A reasonable introduction into anthropology, splitting halfway between a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the field and examples of cultural diversity in various areas (religion, possessions, relationships, etc.). The examples are completely fascinating, but the theoretical discussions are somewhat dry and although they don't shirk from describing the mammoth difficulties in studying a different culture, to my mind betray the shaky pseudo-scientific ground that anthropology rests on.

A very Smart Introduction, 19 Jun 2005
The authors manage, within severe space restrictions, to convey the essential features of their discipline, an outline of its history and development, and an indication of the philosophical and moral issues that it raises.

Monaghan's work with the Mixtec of Central America and Just's work with the Dou Donggo of Indonesia are used as sources for the anecdotal details that are used throughout the book to illustrate aspects of anthropology. This is very much a description of anthropology as a practical endeavour, a hands-on discipline whose theories are firmly grounded in the everyday lives of human beings.

Broader theoretical contexts, such as are found in Marxism or Structuralism, are touched on but no more. Those are the things you go on to read about after your appetite has been whetted by an excellent introduction such as this.

Nearly does what it intends, 09 Oct 2002
I am not an anthropologist, but this book admirably delivers a real sense of the diversity of human culture in today's world. The history (or histories) of anthropology becomes the grounding for the scholarly elucidation of key issues, which are illustrated by some memorable anecdotes. Perhaps its obvious albeit minor failing to the non-specialist is the way it simply comes down on the side of cultural relativism (as against internationalism in human rights), minus any substantial debate or sense of whether this is the prevailing view within anthropology.

A reasonably accessible introduction to anthropology, 27 Sep 2001
This 'very short' 150 page introduction provides a reasonably accessible entry into the world of anthropology.

The discussion is inevitably fairly abstract, considering a subject matter as diverse as religion, society, and identity, for example, but the authors attempt to bring the book to life through examples drawn from their experiences. This device is admirable and largely effective, although their experience is necessarily limited to a small number of communities; the book would have benefitted from a more wide-ranging portfolio of examples.

Nevertheless, the book is largely successful in its purpose and is likely to prove useful to those already drawn to the subject. For those with no more than a passing interest, the book is too academic. It is not as accessible or entertaining as some contributions in other scientific fields, such as Dawkins' 'Selfish Gene' or Fortey's 'Trilobite !'.

Well-written exploration of retirement means and meaning, 05 Apr 2006
This financial and life-planning book wraps basic fiscal planning information around the timely mantra, "The Number" - the amount of savings you need to retire. The first 75% of the book offers retirement basics, including a selection of insights from financial planners. Throughout, it reads well, in a breezy magazine style, no surprise given author Lee Eisenberg's illustrious career at Esquire. But be patient: the richest meat of the book is near the end where he gets more specific about how much money you need to retire, and how to live both well and purposefully. The book's suggestions about how big a nest egg you must hatch to live well during retirement are mostly directed at those who are already pretty comfy. Eisenberg also offers insights on purposeful living, "a completely different way to think about the rest of your life." We find that financially savvy readers can skim the fiscal advice, while those who are unfamiliar with retirement financial planning could read it more slowly (though not as the last word on the subject). While you are pondering feathering your nest for the long term, you may want to give more attention to Eisenberg's thoughts on purpose than to his thoughts on payoffs.

The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, 08 Oct 2008

this book was recommended to me by my Criminology module tutor on my law degree course. I have found it helpful, and there is much detail, yet at the same time it is readable. Probably the most helpful textbook on Criminology for degree level that you will find.

Superb , 04 Apr 2008
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.



Absolutely outstanding., 22 Jul 2007
Right. I guess I should precis this review by stating quite explicitly that I'm a raging criminology geek. I was determined not to write a review until I had read the OHC cover-to-cover. And it has been well worth the experience. I went into the second year of a Criminology BSc with no criminological background, and decided to spend a couple of months before the start of term reading the third edition cover to cover. I feel that the background the OHC gave me provided a springboard for getting a first. The outstanding wealth and depth of knowledge has to be seen to be believed - I would happily be giving it away as a birthday present left, right and center if it wasn't for the sure and certain knowledge that doing so would get me a hearty slap from my non-criminological family.

I am starting a Masters (hopefully leading into a PhD) this October; given that the 3rd edition seemed to give me a huge amount, I decided to do my best to read the 4th edition cover to cover before October. My copy is now dog-eared, much-loved, and covered liberally in pencil scrawls. I feel far, far more comfortable at the prospect of going back into academia having spent just over a year in very non-academic work.

The one real tragedy for me is the conflation of Loraine Gelsthorpe's and Frances Heidensohn's chapters. In the third edition, they respectively covered Feminism and Criminology and Gender and Crime. In the fourth edition, they co-author a single chapter on Gender and Crime. I personally find it deeply frustrating that two beautifully written, detailed and very discrete chapters have been merged into one. Loraine Gelsthorpe's chapter on feminism and criminology was my introduction to feminist criminology - something I have every intention of carrying into my MPhil / (hopefully) PhD. I found the third edition's coverage of both gender AND feminism both highly appropriate, and absolutely fascinating. The conflation of the two chapters into one to my mind leaves something seriously lacking. And maybe the omission of a chapter on feminism and criminology says something and makes a statement in its own right. The chapter on gender and crime is very well written and contains aspects of both preceding chapters; but the idea that two discrete chapters each of forty pages can be combined into one chapter of forty pages without significant loss is ridiculous. I would recommend with all my heart that anyone with an interest in gender and crime / feminist criminology at least borrows a copy of the third edition. There is a wealth of additional colour and texture there that substantially fired up my interest in criminology.

Aside from that, the online chapters do add something invaluable to the fourth edition. It is a self-contained, beautifully comprehensive and more-than-sufficient edition in itself; but the addition of Jock Young, Barbara Hudson, David Garland and Ken Pease's chapters online do add yet another level of depth. Jock Young and David Garland in particular were two of the chapters that stood out the most to me from the third edition, and two of the chapters that I have gone back to time and time again. The OHC is richer for having them available. At the risk of harping on, though - I wish that Dr. Gelsthorpe's and Professor Heidensohn's chapters were on the OHC website too. They really are the one substantial omission in my eyes. And that - I promise - is the last of that particular tub-thumping spree.

In brief, I cannot recommend this book enough. To anyone, but particularly budding / current criminologists. There is such a wealth of detail in there, from the first two introductory chapters (sociological and psychological approaches) right through to the last two on community penalties and imprisonment. It is not heavygoing; it is not unduly challenging. With the possible exception of Media-Made Criminality, that is - which frankly lost me. Huge reams of statistics with remarkably little coherence to my eyes. Oddly enough, I felt the very next chapter (political economy, crime and criminal justice) is one of the best in the book, and by the self-same author.

Jock Young pulls off something similar - the only other chapter in the book to mildly vex me was the one on Cultural Criminology (done far better - though admittedly in a rather more inaccessible way - by Jeff Ferrell in the book Criminological Perspectives). And yet Crime and Social Exclusion in the third edition remains one of the most solid and interesting chapters in either book.

All in all, I've wittered enough. If your degree / course is worth thirty-whatever quid to you and you're willing to put in the effort, then go for it. If it isn't and / or you aren't, then don't. This book has the hallmark of quality stamped firmly right through it, and there's certainly nothing else criminological out there that can hope to compete in terms of either quality or value for money.

BUY IT!, 18 Nov 2006
This book is a must have for criminology students. I bought this book and 2 others but have not needed to use those. This has everything you need to know and more.

Essential for criminologists, 18 Nov 2006
I love this book. It seriously helped me through my criminology degree at uni - and I ended up with a 1st. It covers just about every topic you need. Definately a very wise investment.

Excellent, 02 Sep 2005
Enjoyable to read and a fantastic book for anyone learning Criminology. I am doing it at A-Level, in order to get to University so found some parts challenging to understand (as the book is based at Degree level) but you really get the jist of meanings and terms. A real must have.

A must have for any criminology student!, 04 Mar 2005
This book is great. It's got any criminological word you'd ever need to know. Not only does it provide you with a detailed definition, it also provides the reader with the strengths and limitations of the arguemts. Moreover, there are also recommendations for furthere reading. A great book!

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Fantastic Reference Material!, 04 Dec 2003
This book delivers a comprehensive guide to anyone in the field of Criminology. With basic and more in-depth explanations of key items in the Criminological field, McLaughlin and Muncie have produced an indispensable item of reference material for the field of Criminology.

Not that useful, 25 Oct 2007
Despite being a recommended book for OU sociology courses, this doesn't cover a lot of sociological concepts. Very disappointing, and I'm going to have to get another sociological dictionary that covers the ground more completely.

First class book - buy the second edition!, 16 Jan 2005
First published in 1984 and now extensively revised and updated, this is an essential reference book for any student of the social sciences, to stand alongside your dictionary and thesaurus. Although it self-defines as being concerned with 'sociology', much of the content of this tome will be useful to social work students, psychologists, even students of literature and languages.

Described as offering one line definitions of a wide range of social science concepts, the book does actually go into its definitions in a little more depth. You will find extensive entries on many of the major figures of social science, plus well-presented and highly accessible analyses of such concepts as 'alienation' or 'anomie' - both being conditions you are likely to experience when writing an essay ... and both being capable of amelioration by using this neat little volume of crib notes.

I have a degree and a Masters in sociology; I work in social work. I've carried this little volume around with me since 1984 and still find it very useful, from time to time. It's now into its second edition - make sure that is what you get, because the earlier edition was before postmodernism ... and you wouldn't want to miss out on that! It won't actually pass your exams for you, but it is a reassuring little friend to have handy when doing revision or writing essays ... how do you spell 'ethnomethodology', and what does it all mean?

sociology made easy., 01 Nov 2002
This is an excellent book , if like me you are a beginner to this subject . Explanations of terms used are written in an easy to understand way .Makes the complicated seem simple .

This is a superb source of reference and easy to use!, 25 Mar 2001
Initially, I thought that being a Penguin book, this dictionary would not be mature enough for a Sociology A level. But I was wrong. I must inform you that you cannot pass with this alone! When used together with a text book, you will have all the information needed to pass A-level. This is a detailed listing of sociological terms in alphabetical order. It does not however, relate the terms to real life. It does contain large amounts of sociological studies which are useful. Honestly, it could do with some photographs and references to real life situations but is well worth buying. It is very useful for revision purposes as it is easy to use and find information on specific topics. This would make coursework a breeze as you have all of the terms at your fingertips and you know exactly what they mean. The Bibliography is also a great help as you gain extra points for talking about Sociologists and their studies. It is a good reminder, if you already have the knowledge! Extremely good value for money and well worth buying!!! But I reccommend you buy another book to use with it.

Indispensible, 13 Oct 2002
In a nutshell, the comprehensive entries, covering the broad spectrum that is Human Geography, make this book a must for all students of the subject. Also provides useful reference points for any further reading you may wish to do.

It is more than perfect, 30 Jan 2001
This book is one of the most relevant books to those who study geography, demography, and population studies in general

A never-fail reference wonder!, 07 Jan 2001
As a student of Human geography, I often require a clear and concise definition of terms for my research and essay writing. This book never fails to provide me with such, giving a clear definition, context and background to every term and issue a human geographer could think of...and plenty more that he/she couldn't!

The book is more than just a dictionary, it is a collection of articles and related material that offers a wide range of viewpoints and extra reading at every opportunity. Very well put together, very well researched, well worth your while.

Reasonable anthropology introduction, with some fascinating examples, 27 Sep 2008
A reasonable introduction into anthropology, splitting halfway between a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the field and examples of cultural diversity in various areas (religion, possessions, relationships, etc.). The examples are completely fascinating, but the theoretical discussions are somewhat dry and although they don't shirk from describing the mammoth difficulties in studying a different culture, to my mind betray the shaky pseudo-scientific ground that anthropology rests on.

A very Smart Introduction, 19 Jun 2005
The authors manage, within severe space restrictions, to convey the essential features of their discipline, an outline of its history and development, and an indication of the philosophical and moral issues that it raises.

Monaghan's work with the Mixtec of Central America and Just's work with the Dou Donggo of Indonesia are used as sources for the anecdotal details that are used throughout the book to illustrate aspects of anthropology. This is very much a description of anthropology as a practical endeavour, a hands-on discipline whose theories are firmly grounded in the everyday lives of human beings.

Broader theoretical contexts, such as are found in Marxism or Structuralism, are touched on but no more. Those are the things you go on to read about after your appetite has been whetted by an excellent introduction such as this.

Nearly does what it intends, 09 Oct 2002
I am not an anthropologist, but this book admirably delivers a real sense of the diversity of human culture in today's world. The history (or histories) of anthropology becomes the grounding for the scholarly elucidation of key issues, which are illustrated by some memorable anecdotes. Perhaps its obvious albeit minor failing to the non-specialist is the way it simply comes down on the side of cultural relativism (as against internationalism in human rights), minus any substantial debate or sense of whether this is the prevailing view within anthropology.

A reasonably accessible introduction to anthropology, 27 Sep 2001
This 'very short' 150 page introduction provides a reasonably accessible entry into the world of anthropology.

The discussion is inevitably fairly abstract, considering a subject matter as diverse as religion, society, and identity, for example, but the authors attempt to bring the book to life through examples drawn from their experiences. This device is admirable and largely effective, although their experience is necessarily limited to a small number of communities; the book would have benefitted from a more wide-ranging portfolio of examples.

Nevertheless, the book is largely successful in its purpose and is likely to prove useful to those already drawn to the subject. For those with no more than a passing interest, the book is too academic. It is not as accessible or entertaining as some contributions in other scientific fields, such as Dawkins' 'Selfish Gene' or Fortey's 'Trilobite !'.

Well-written exploration of retirement means and meaning, 05 Apr 2006
This financial and life-planning book wraps basic fiscal planning information around the timely mantra, "The Number" - the amount of savings you need to retire. The first 75% of the book offers retirement basics, including a selection of insights from financial planners. Throughout, it reads well, in a breezy magazine style, no surprise given author Lee Eisenberg's illustrious career at Esquire. But be patient: the richest meat of the book is near the end where he gets more specific about how much money you need to retire, and how to live both well and purposefully. The book's suggestions about how big a nest egg you must hatch to live well during retirement are mostly directed at those who are already pretty comfy. Eisenberg also offers insights on purposeful living, "a completely different way to think about the rest of your life." We find that financially savvy readers can skim the fiscal advice, while those who are unfamiliar with retirement financial planning could read it more slowly (though not as the last word on the subject). While you are pondering feathering your nest for the long term, you may want to give more attention to Eisenberg's thoughts on purpose than to his thoughts on payoffs.

Approachable,accessible & unbiased, definately worth reading, 02 Nov 2000
This clear, concise book is a god-send for the student (or general reader alike) interested in carrying out a sociology-based research project. The text is lively, enthusiastic, laying emphasis, through the voice of many experts, on the best ways to carry out a social investigation.

Although the text is hard going in a few places with an occasional assumption of prior knowledge, its strategically placed references to re