Introduction to Criminology: An Equity Lens

Reviewed by Zeynep Gonen, Associate Professor, Framingham State University on 4/23/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

All the chapters of this book are comprehensive and in-depth with respect to the definition and nature of crime, and theories of crime, which are indispensable to an introductory course in criminology. The final chapter is a refreshing addition, offering a survey of newly emerging criminological fields, rarely found in mainstream textbooks. While policing and prisons are discussed throughout the theoretical chapters, I found the absence of dedicated sections on social responses to crime to be a notable omission. The authors define criminology primarily as the study of why people commit crimes. However, the field also encompasses the study of criminal justice institutions and social control. I am still thankful for this book and the authors who have filled in an important gap in creating an accessible, comprehensive, and critical introductory textbook on criminology.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not see any inaccuracy or error. The lens is clearly one that prioritizes bringing the issues of race, gender, and other inequalities into discussions of criminological topics. To me, that is a reflection of addressing biases that are embedded in many textbooks and perspectives.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The examples, images, and supplementary sources throughout the chapters are current, relevant, and effectively chosen to engage students. I particularly appreciated the online resources and articles the authors recommend for deeper discussion. The "Learn More" sections in each chapter, for instance, highlight an impressive array of contemporary issues related to the criminological topics under investigation. Highlights for me were the exploration of "Superpredators" in the context of crime measurement and the focus on "Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)" within feminist criminology. Both historical and current examples will make this book relevant for a while.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is accessible to readers. It does not assume prior knowledge and gives a clear description of the terminology they use.

Consistency rating: 5

The book uses the terminology and sections consistently. The equity framework is consistently brought in both in the discussion and in the examples and sources.

Modularity rating: 5

The chapters are divided well, and within chapters, sections are clearly demarcated with text boxes, colors, and titles. This will allow the instructors to select to focus -or not- on special topics and activities.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

In my introductory course, Sociological Perspectives in Criminology, I have been using Steven Barkan’s Criminology: A Sociological Perspective. It has been a great resource for delving into the subject through a sociological lens, aligning closely with my own expertise and perspective. Its organizational logic was also great. The organization of Introduction to Criminology: An Equity Lens is similar to Barkan's book, so it will be much easier to use without changing the structure I have in my course.

Interface rating: 5

Navigating this book was easy. I found that the visual and design elements were consistent and easy to follow.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I saw no issues in grammar, commenting as a a non-native speaker.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Excellent! The authors' focus on equity and inclusivity is clear in the text, in the examples and resources, as well as the way they designed and wrote the book. The book introduces many compelling discussions, examples, and concepts that rarely appear in mainstream textbooks. Even in the opening sections regarding the origins of the field and the various perspectives of criminologists, the authors prompt a critical questioning of who produces knowledge about crime and why that authority matters. Another excellent example of the book’s "equity lens" is the discussion surrounding the misuse of crime statistics. While data is often perceived as neutral, it is deeply impactful in shaping public perception. The chapter elaborates on how crime data is frequently leveraged to construct specific narratives about crime and historically served certain political agendas while marginalizing others.

I will be recommending widely. I really appreciate the work the authors put into this.

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!