Literary Theory and Criminology

Literary Theory and Criminology highlights the importance of contemporary literary theory in criminology, particularly in addressing issues of power, inequality, and harm. It offers a deconstructive framework for critical criminological critique-praxis and engages with various literary theories to construct a just and sustainable reality in the face of climate change and other mass harms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Literary Theory and Criminology explores the profound significance of contemporary literary theory in the field of criminology, particularly for those criminologists who are deeply interested in issues of power, inequality, and harm. By drawing upon innovative advancements in philosophical, narrative, cultural, and pulp criminology, the book presents a deconstructive framework as part of a critical criminological critique-praxis. This comprehensive volume comprises eight essays, each exploring the value of contemporary literary theory in addressing critical concerns within a critical criminology that aims to construct a just and sustainable reality in the face of climate change and other mass harms.

The first criminology book to engage with literary theory from the perspective of criminology, Literary Theory and Criminology serves as a valuable guide for criminologists who wish to incorporate literary theory into their research programs. It distinguishes itself from previous engagements with poststructuralism in the philosophical criminological tradition by avoiding both constructionist ontology and relativist epistemology. Instead, it empowers criminologists with the tools to first deconstruct and then reconstruct meaning and value through the lens of literary theory.

For all critical criminological theorists, Literary Theory and Criminology is an indispensable reading. It not only deepens our understanding of the relationship between literature and criminology but also offers valuable insights into the potential of literary theory to shape our understanding of crime, justice, and society. By exploring the intersections between literary theory and critical criminology, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue between different disciplines and promotes a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing complex social issues.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032262802