Communities, identities and crime

Communities, identities and crime provides a critical exploration of the importance of social identities when considering crime, victimisation and criminal justice.  Offering a refreshing perspective on equality and diversity developments that feature in the policies and practices of criminal justice agencies, the author critically examines: 'race' relations legislation, 'race' equality and criminal justice gender, crime and victimisation the increasing role that faith communities play in community justice hate crimes committed against individuals, motivated by prejudice community engagement and participation in criminal justice, community cohesion and civil renewal. The book incorporates a broader theoretical focus, exploring identity theory, late modernity, identity constructions, communities and belongingness. The author also raises important theoretical and methodological issues that a focus upon social identities poses for the subject discipline of criminology. Clearly written in an engaging style, with case studies and chapter questions used throughout, the book is essential reading for postgraduate students of criminology, criminal justice, social policy, sociology, victimology and law. Undergraduate students and criminal justice practitioners will also find the book informative and researchers will value its theoretical and policy focus.

Basia Spalek is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Birmingham. She has extensive research experience in crime, victimisation and community justice with respect to diversity issues, communities and identities.