Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Why They Kill: The Discoveries of a Maverick Criminologist by Richard Rhodes


If you are fascinated by crime and criminals, this is a great book to read. It centers around Lonnie Athens, who pioneered the concept of violentization--the idea that anyone, regardless of upbringing, socio-economic status, or psychiatric standing could become a violent criminal if exposed to four parts of a basic process. 


Although the author at times seems a bit gushing over Athens, it is a fascinating read. Some parts, such as the phantom community thesis, could use better explication. 


But if you're not a CJ major, this is a great book that will introduce you to the kind of theory you can knaw over in your mind while standing in line at the grocery store.

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