Introduction to Criminology: An Equity Lens

Reviewed by Stephanie Wiley, Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Oregon on 9/13/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This book is very comprehensive and covers the criminological theories in great detail. I especially appreciate the authors' attention to the complexity of answering "why" people offend and inclusion of key terms with clear definitions. While the authors note the criminal justice system is distinct from criminology, criminology actually refers to the process of making laws, breaking laws, and responses to the breaking of laws. Therefore, it would be helpful to pay a bit more attention to what else criminology encompasses, aside from theoretical explanations. These "responses to crime" could come at the end of the book, perhaps, as a way to tie together how these theories can be used to shape what should happen in the criminal justice system.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not notice any errors or mistakes in this book!

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Excellent use of current and relevant examples to illustrate the main points and theories. I especially appreciated use of examples that students can relate to (e.g., labeling theory's application to being caught cheating on SATs). The concluding paragraphs in each chapter ("how is it relevant now?") were also very helpful!

Clarity rating: 5

The book is easy to follow and provides ample definitional resources to keep students on track with key terms!

Consistency rating: 5

The book consistently references key terms and theories, making it easy to follow and refer back to sources when necessary.

Modularity rating: 5

I can definitely see how I would break the chapters or sections up into course modules. Each section was well done, with enough information to stand alone, yet distinct enough for separation to make sense.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I found the book extremely easy to follow. It was helpful that the authors based much of the theoretical review on the temporal unfolding of the theories.

Interface rating: 4

There were some minor distortions in the example boxes in the pdf version of the text, but nothing that would hinder readability.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

This book is very well written!

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Overall, this book appears to include some good coverage across cultural and ethnic groups. However, I was surprised to see a lack of reference to critical race theory. This is particularly surprising given the book focuses on an equity lens. The inattention of this major source of structural disparities seems like a major omission! Such structural explanations, for instance, can help us understand the overrepresentation of youth of color in the juvenile justice system. I would also like to see greater attention to restorative justice and specifically Indigenous peacemaking practices.

I was already considering switching over from a paid textbook to this open source book for one of my classes, but after completing this review I am definitely sold on making the transition!