Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Marcus Felson is an American criminologist best known for co-developing the Routine Activity Theory and for his work in situational and environmental criminology. He has held academic positions at institutions including Texas State University and Rutgers University. Felson’s work focuses on how everyday environments and social structures create opportunities for crime—and how they can be
Lawrence E. Cohen was an American sociologist and criminologist best known for co-developing the Routine Activity Theory, one of the most influential frameworks in environmental and situational criminology. He held academic positions at the University of California, Irvine, and played a key role in shifting criminological focus from offender motivation to the situational contexts of
Henry D. McKay was an American sociologist and criminologist, best known for his collaboration with Clifford R. Shaw in developing the Social Disorganization Theory. As a key representative of the Chicago School of Sociology, McKay played a foundational role in establishing ecological and community-based approaches to understanding crime and delinquency. His work combined empirical rigor
Clifford R. Shaw was an American sociologist and criminologist, best known for co-developing the Social Disorganization Theory and for his pioneering work in urban sociology and juvenile delinquency. As a key figure of the Chicago School of Sociology, Shaw conducted extensive fieldwork on neighborhood dynamics and crime patterns in Chicago. His collaborations with Henry D.
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
John H. Laub is an American criminologist best known for his work in life-course criminology and his long-standing collaboration with Robert J. Sampson. He served as Director of the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and is a Distinguished Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. Laub’s research has significantly shaped