Travis Hirschi is one of the most cited criminologists of the twentieth century. His work has provoked controversy and heated debates about the causes of crime, proper research methods, and the most effective policies to prevent and control crime. Known as a spokesperson for social control theory, Hirschi always ties his ideas to the mode of investigation and the mode of investigation to substantive concerns. Theoretical contributions and research methodology have been twin driving forces throughout his career. This book contains representative selections of Hirshi's work over many years. It is remarkable how little is known about Hirschi's life and career. John H. Laub's introduction combines a discerning account of Hirschi's life and work, accompanied by an interview with the author. Laub's volume covers various topics: methodological issues; principles of casual analysis; criteria of causality; longitudinal research on crime; rules and the study of deviant behavior; correlations between crime and delinquency; control theory of delinquency; intelligence, causes, and prevention of delinquency; family structure and crime; theory of crime; crime and criminality; deviance; white collar crime; and juvenile justice systems. Now available in paperback, this is an invaluable text for courses in criminology, as well as a valuable addition to professional libraries.

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

This book brings together prominent investigators to provide a comprehensive guide to doing life course research, including an “inside view” of how they designed and carried out influential longitudinal studies. Using vivid examples, the contributors trace the connections between early and later experience and reveal how researchers and graduate students can discover these links in their own research. Well-organized chapters describe the best and newest ways to: *Use surveys, life records, ethnography, and data archives to collect different types of data over years or even decades. *Apply innovative statistical methods to measure dynamic processes that result in improvement, decline, or reversibility in economic fortune, stress, health, and criminality. *Explore the micro- and macro-level explanatory factors that shape individual trajectories, including genetic and environmental interactions, personal life history, interpersonal ties, and sociocultural institutions.

The Craft of Qualitative Research is a consultative handbook that offers students a superb introduction to the practice of conducting qualitative research. Kleinknecht, van den Scott, and Sanders bring together a rich collection of perspectives, ideas, and experiences from scholars and professionals who span all stages of the academic career, from graduate students to emeritus professors. Highly accessible and practical, this text equips readers with the tools necessary to manage and overcome obstacles, biases, and power dynamics while researching in the field. Over the course of ten sections, every stage of the qualitative research process is explored, including planning, reflecting on ethical considerations, gaining entry to the field, collecting and analyzing data, leaving the field, and disseminating findings. Representing a diversity of academic disciplines, the fifty-five contributors share their knowledge gained and challenges encountered on the ground, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of doing fieldwork. Filled with sound advice, engaging stories, and active learning exercises, this edited collection will help develop the skills and confidence needed to conduct qualitative research, making it the perfect resource for students in the social sciences, particularly sociology, anthropology, criminology, health studies, and social work.

This exciting new text by James Fulcher and John Scott offers a lively and comprehensive approach to sociology, covering all the topics included on sociology courses. It is completely up-to-date. It discusses many contemporary social issues, including such topics as family violence, genderidentities, social inequalities and divisions, the internet, the influence of the media, the rise of new religions, post-modernism, and the impact of globalization. The analysis of recent social change is carefully integrated with discussion of the classic ideas of sociology.