The politics of teaching sociologies of crime

Abstract

The politics, morals and ethics of teaching sociologies of crime within contemporary university settings are described in this paper. My hope is to cause reflection on teaching sociologies of crime and sociologists’ participation in such. The possibilities for critical distancing from current punitive, sate-driven policies and mandates, and on advancing vastly different curriculums to impact both education and crime control strategies. Also addressed are moral and political concerns for educators who (although perhaps with a good intentions) participate in advancing a crime control industry that remains class and race biased and based on rational-legal, force, and repression.