Designed for undergraduate criminology and criminological theory courses, Criminological Theories: Understanding Crime in America, Second Edition explores crime, crime theory, and various forms of criminal behavior within the United States. It focuses exclusively on theory, avoiding superfluous discussion of the criminal justice system. Students will come away from the text with plausible explanations of crime causation, a greater appreciation of criminological theory, and the ability to think critically about the social reality of crime. Current and highly relevant, the text includes coverage of new developments in the field of criminology, including cultural, integrative, life-course, and green criminological theories.

Student-friendly but comprehensive, Criminological Theories presents the most current crime statistics and research findings with contemporary examples of reported crime. Every chapter in this thought-provoking text opens with an outline and concludes with critical-thinking questions to ensure concept retention and student comprehension. Accessible and thorough, Criminological Theories: Understanding Crime in America, Second Edition is an essential resource for students to understand the motivation of criminal behavior.