Focusing on the terminology within criminology, this guide serves as an accessible dictionary for key concepts in the field. Aimed at new students, it draws inspiration from Raymond Williams' classic text to reflect on the language used by criminologists. The book simplifies complex ideas, making it an essential resource for those beginning their studies in criminology.
Vincenzo Ruggiero Book order






- 2024
- 2021
Critical criminology is explored through the lens of social movements, advocating for the development of new concepts that bridge academic research and activist practices. The book emphasizes the necessity of reimagining criminological approaches to better align with contemporary social justice efforts, suggesting that integrating these perspectives can enhance both theory and practice in the field.
- 2019
Visions of Political Violence
- 242 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Exploring various forms of political violence, the book delves into systemic and institutional violence, crowd behavior, armed conflict, and terrorism. It employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from criminology, social theory, political science, and literary criticism to examine the connections between these diverse manifestations of violence.
- 2015
Power and Crime
- 174 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Exploring the interplay between power and crime, the book argues for a multidisciplinary approach to criminology. Vincenzo Ruggiero suggests that insights from political science, ethics, social theory, critical legal studies, economic theory, and classical literature can enhance the understanding of these concepts. By integrating perspectives from various fields, criminologists can deepen their analysis and broaden the scope of their research, ultimately enriching the discipline.
- 2015
The Crimes of the Economy
- 216 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Economists have often paid visits to the field of criminology, examining the rational logic of offending. This book returns the visit, examining how the logic of economics may lead to harmful behaviour. This is an excursion into several schools of economic thought and an analysis of the social harm caused by homo oeconomicus.
- 2013
Focusing on penal practices across various European countries, this collection by leading international scholars highlights both unique and common trends, such as the excessive use of imprisonment and the harsher treatment of marginalized groups. It critically examines the justifications and methods of punishment in Europe, prompting readers to reflect on the implications of these practices.
- 2013
Punishment in Europe
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
This collection, from a range of leading international scholars, looks at penal practice in a variety of different European countries. Noting particularities as well as similarities, such as the overuse of imprisonment and the use of harsher sanctions against the poor, this book questions how we justify and deliver punishment in Europe.
- 2013
Exploring the intersection of economics and criminology, this book delves into how economic reasoning can contribute to harmful behaviors. It examines various schools of economic thought and critiques the concept of homo oeconomicus, highlighting the social consequences of economic decision-making. By analyzing the rational logic behind offending, the work sheds light on the darker implications of economic theories in real-world contexts.
- 2003
Crime in Literature: Sociology of Deviance and Fiction
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Exploring the intersection of crime and literature, this book delves into classical literary works to examine themes of crime and crime control. It analyzes how these narratives reflect societal attitudes towards criminal behavior and justice, offering insights into the moral complexities and psychological dimensions of crime. Through its literary lens, the text invites readers to consider the implications of crime in both historical and contemporary contexts.
- 2000
Focusing on social movements and urban life, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of contemporary European cities. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates urban studies with sociological insights on change and social movements. Through empirical research from major cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, it presents current theories alongside discursive sections, making it a valuable resource for courses in urban sociology, social stratification, and cultural studies.