Abolish Criminology

Abolish Criminology is a critical scholarship on criminology and criminal justice ideologies and practices that explores the historical and social contexts of crime, violence, and justice. It offers an accessible and interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminology, engaging readers through written, visual, and poetic forms and the perspectives of university students, professors, imprisoned and formerly imprisoned scholars, poets, and visual artists. The book aims to challenge the dominant narratives of criminology and promote alternative visions and practices for new world formations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
Abolish Criminology is a groundbreaking book that delves into critical scholarship on criminology and criminal justice ideologies and practices, alongside emerging freedom-driven visions and practices for new world formations. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the history and analysis of crime as a concept, shedding light on its colonizing trajectories into existence and enforcement. It highlights the significant contexts buried within peculiar academic histories and classroom practices, which are often overlooked or unknown outside academic spaces. This oversight perpetuates the impact of criminology's racializing, gendering, and sexualizing histories, as it creates a narrow and limiting way of thinking about violence and what can be done about it. Moreover, these limitations enable the concept of crime to be weaponized and enforced through the criminal legal system, perpetuating cycles of harm and injustice.

Critical Scholarship:
The book presents a rich tapestry of critical scholarship on criminology and criminal justice, exploring the ideologies and practices that shape our understanding of crime and justice. It challenges the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate violence and oppression, offering alternative perspectives and frameworks for understanding and addressing crime. The authors draw from a diverse range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, political science, and cultural studies, to provide a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary analysis of criminology.

Emerging Freedom-Driven Visions:
In addition to critical scholarship, Abolish Criminology presents emerging freedom-driven visions and practices for new world formations. The book advocates for a shift towards more compassionate and restorative approaches to crime and justice, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and promoting social and economic equality. It explores the role of community-based initiatives, alternative justice systems, and transformative education in building safer and more just communities.

Interdisciplinary Approach:
Abolish Criminology adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining written, visual, and poetic forms to engage readers in a multi-sensory and inter-disciplinary exploration of criminology. The book features the perspectives of university students, professors, imprisoned and formerly imprisoned scholars, poets, and visual artists, allowing readers to engage in a rich and diverse range of teachings on criminology. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of criminology, enabling readers to critically interrogate the mythologies on violence and danger that are often perpetuated by criminology.

Appeal to Various Audiences:
Abolish Criminology serves the needs of undergraduate and graduate students and educators in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to criminology, offering valuable insights and perspectives for those studying the field. The book also appeals to scholars, researchers, policy makers, activists, community organizers, social movement builders, and various reading groups in the general public who are grappling with increased critical public discourse on policing and criminal justice.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Abolish Criminology is a transformative book that offers a critical and comprehensive exploration of criminology and criminal justice ideologies and practices. It challenges the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate violence and oppression, presenting alternative perspectives and frameworks for understanding and addressing crime. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book engages readers in a multi-sensory and inter-disciplinary exploration of criminology, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the field. Abolish Criminology is a valuable resource for students, educators, scholars, activists, and anyone interested in promoting a more just and equitable world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367521332