Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Nils Christie was a Norwegian criminologist and sociologist, internationally recognized for his critical perspectives on punishment and prisons. As Professor of Criminology at the University of Oslo, he became one of the most influential voices in abolitionist criminology. Christie argued for radically reducing the use of imprisonment and emphasized the importance of conflict resolution outside
James W. Messerschmidt is an American sociologist and criminologist known for his influential work on the intersections of gender, power, and crime. He is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Southern Maine. Messerschmidt’s research critically examines how masculinity is constructed, maintained, and enacted in relation to criminal behavior, and how social structures shape
Emily Lenning is an American criminologist whose research focuses on the intersections of crime, justice, and queer theory. Her work critically examines how systems of power and inequality affect LGBTQ+ communities, and she has been instrumental in shaping the field of queer criminology. Lenning’s contributions bridge feminist and critical criminology with queer perspectives, offering new
Carrie L. Buist is an American criminologist whose work is at the forefront of queer criminology. She investigates how sexuality, gender identity, and structural inequalities shape experiences with the criminal justice system. Her research challenges heteronormative assumptions in criminology and advocates for inclusive, intersectional approaches to the study of crime and justice Buist’s scholarship combines
Michelle Alexander is an American civil rights lawyer, legal scholar, and author best known for her work on racial injustice in the U.S. criminal justice system. She has served as director of the Racial Justice Project at the ACLU of Northern California and has taught at several universities, including Ohio State University and Union Theological
Angela Y. Davis is an American political activist, scholar, and author whose work has profoundly influenced critical criminology, prison abolitionism, and Black feminist thought. She first gained international attention in the early 1970s as a member of the Communist Party USA and an associate of the Black Panther Party. Davis has taught at several universities,