Introduction to Criminology: An Equity Lens
Jessica René Peterson, Southern Oregon University
Taryn VanderPyl, Western Oregon University
Mauri Matsuda, Portland State University
Jennifer Moreno, Western Oregon University
Curt Sobolewski, Portland State University
Copyright Year:
Publisher: Open Oregon Educational Resources
Language: English
Formats Available
Conditions of Use
Attribution
CC BY
Reviews
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... read more
Reviewed by Stephanie Wiley, Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Oregon on 9/13/25
Comprehensiveness
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
I did not notice any errors or mistakes in this book!
Relevance/Longevity
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
The book is easy to follow and provides ample definitional resources to keep students on track with key terms!
Consistency
The book consistently references key terms and theories, making it easy to follow and refer back to sources when necessary.
Modularity
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
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
There were some minor distortions in the example boxes in the pdf version of the text, but nothing that would hinder readability.
Grammatical Errors
This book is very well written!
Cultural Relevance
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.
CommentsI 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!
Table of Contents
- About this Book
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminology
- Chapter 2: Measuring Crime
- Chapter 3: Origins of Criminology
- Chapter 4: Biological and Psychological Understandings of Criminal Behavior
- Chapter 5: Social Structural and Strain Theories
- Chapter 6: Social Learning, Interactionist, and Subcultural Theories
- Chapter 7: Social Control and Life Course Theories
- Chapter 8: Critical and Feminist Approaches to Criminology
- Chapter 9: The Future of Criminology
- Glossary
About the Book
Introduction to Criminology provides a foundation for understanding the origins, evolution, and current status of criminological theories. This textbook explains the field of criminology and influential theories in context, with real-life examples and activities. All content is delivered through a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Each chapter includes bold-faced key terms with definitions and cross-references that link backward and forward to important concepts. Students can also engage with the content through discussion questions and supplemental resources at the end of each chapter.
About the Contributors
Authors
Dr. Peterson is an Assistant Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at Southern Oregon University and an honorary adjunct lecturer and research associate at the University of New England in NSW, Australia. Her primary research and teaching interests include policing, discretionary decision-making by actors in the criminal justice system, rural crime and justice, and crime and media. She is the co-editor of the Bristol University Press “Research in Rural Crime” book series and co-editor of the International Journal of Rural Criminology.
Dr. Taryn VanderPyl is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences at Western Oregon University. She has been working with and learning directly from people impacted by the criminal justice system for over a decade. Dr. VanderPyl’s research focuses on interventions within and legislation concerning juvenile and adult corrections that affect reentry and recidivism, as well as addressing social hostility toward those with justice system involvement. Her earlier experiences as a high school special education teacher and consultant, as well as a foster parent, have contributed to her research and activism regarding disproportionate representations of vulnerable and marginalized populations in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Her work on affecting the outcomes of youth and adults in these systems has led to participation in numerous academic, behavioral, and reintegration programs in both juvenile and adult correctional facilities with a priority on emphasizing the voices of those seldom heard. Dr. VanderPyl is the author of Corrections 360: A Look at Corrections from All Angles and co-editor of Exploitation and Criminalization at the Margins: The Hidden Toll on Unvalued Lives. She has presented on behalf of her research participants and fellow change agents at multiple national and regional criminal justice conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals across various related fields of study.
Mauri Matsuda is an Assistant Professor at Portland State University. She holds a PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on developmental, life-course criminology and the intersection of alcohol/drugs, crime, and criminal justice. She teaches courses on theories of crime and justice, crime control strategies, and juvenile justice.
Jennifer Moreno is a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences at Western Oregon University. She earned her juris doctorate at Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, and worked as a police officer in Arizona for about ten years. Her research areas include gender issues in policing, emotional intelligence/trauma support for law enforcement, and online pedagogy.
Curt Sobolewski received his BA from Indiana University, MA from Baylor University, and PhD in sociology from Arizona State University. He is an Associate Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at Portland State University and specializes in the study of sexual behavior, terrorism, and popular culture.