Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Charles R. Tittle was an American sociologist and criminologist renowned for his theoretical rigor and contributions to quantitative criminology. He held academic positions at several universities, including Washington State University and the University of North Carolina. Tittle is best known for his development of Control Balance Theory, which synthesizes elements of control, opportunity, and motivation
Edwin M. Lemert was an American sociologist best known for his foundational contributions to the sociology of deviance and the development of labeling theory. Trained in sociology and anthropology, Lemert taught at institutions such as the University of California, focusing on social problems, deviant behavior, and the role of societal reaction in shaping identity. Lemert
David Matza (1930–2018) was an American sociologist and criminologist best known for his contributions to the sociology of deviance and juvenile delinquency. As a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Matza developed influential theoretical concepts, including Drift Theory, which challenged deterministic explanations of criminal behavior. His work bridged structural and interactionist perspectives, emphasizing the
Lloyd E. Ohlin (1918–2008) was an American criminologist and sociologist renowned for his work on juvenile delinquency, social structure, and crime prevention. He served as a professor at Harvard Law School and was influential in shaping U.S. juvenile justice policy. Ohlin collaborated with Richard A. Cloward to develop Differential Opportunity Theory, integrating sociological research with
Richard A. Cloward (1926–2001) was an American sociologist and criminologist best known for his work on social structure, deviance, and social policy. A long-time professor at Columbia University, Cloward collaborated with Lloyd Ohlin to develop Differential Opportunity Theory and was active in anti-poverty movements, co-founding the National Welfare Rights Organization. Cloward’s contributions to criminology center
Elijah Anderson (born 1943) is an American sociologist and ethnographer, currently serving as the Sterling Professor of Sociology at Yale University. Known for his detailed urban ethnographies, Anderson has extensively studied the cultural norms, social interactions, and survival strategies of residents in inner-city neighborhoods, focusing on race, class, and inequality in urban America. Anderson’s work