Introduction to Criminology

Introduction to Criminology: Why Do They Do It? offers a contemporary and integrated discussion of key criminological theories to help students understand crime in the 21st century. Focusing on why offenders commit crimes, authors Pamela J. Schram, Joseph A. Schwartz, and Stephen G. Tibbetts apply established theories to real-life examples to explain criminal behavior. Coverage of violent and property crimes is included throughout theory chapters so that students can clearly understand the application of theory to criminal behavior. Updates to the Fourth Edition include recent major social events, such as the George Floyd protests; changes in crime trends and criminal behavior as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; updated crime statistics, case studies, as well as contemporary topics, such as mass shooting events and the legalization of marijuana use.