Out of Control - by Erich Goode (Paperback)

About the Book

A supplemental textbook that examines the self-control theory of crime from a range of perspectives, both supportive and critical.

Book Synopsis

Out of Control promises to be a key supplemental textbook in criminology and sociology courses, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Providing an indispensable overview of Gottfredson and Hirschi's influential self-control theory, this fundamental text evaluates whether the theory truly helps us to understand the facts of crime.

A range of prominent criminologists offers diverse views in fifteen original essays, providing students with the first proper assessment of self-control theory. This lucid book addresses important general considerations relevant to the theory, its relationship to other theories of crime, and its relevance to different types of crime. The book ends with a response from the originators of the theory, who tackle their critics' concerns and offer new explanations and revisions. This compelling text will be an asset for academics, researchers, and students interested in explaining criminal behavior.

Review Quotes

"Goode delivers the first book-length treatment of self-control theory, taking it well beyond its original boundaries. The contributors are especially engaging and differ greatly in the extent to which they are convinced by the theory. Whether a friend or foe of the theory, you will find here a thoughtful set of essays that expand your appreciation for the theory's contributions by linking it directly to both crime and criminological thinking. A must-read for serious students of criminology."--Gary LaFree "University of Maryland"

"This book provides a good review of the criticism of Gottfredson and Hirschi's theories and a useful summary of common debates and arguments surrounding the role of self-control in crime causation. No other texts haveconsolidated these important arguments."--Per-Olof H. Wikström "University of Cambridge"

"An excellent, balanced exploration of self-control theory that leaves readers with a clear understanding of the limitations as well as the strengths of the theory."--CHOICE

About the Author

Erich Goode is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and is currently Visiting Scholar at New York University. He is the editor of a half-dozen anthologies and the author of ten books, including Drugs in American Society.