The notion of international theoretical development in criminology persists even though conventional wisdom readily concedes that new theoretical schools disturb this linear development by the posing of new questions and the undermining of old truths. Criminological ideas are incorporated into national criminologies and applied in specific penal practices. The process of incorporation is not a simple unidirectional exercise, but rather the initial ideas may be changed in such a way that they have an impact on society different from or even opposite to that intended by their original authors. In the South African context, academic criminology can be explained by outlining briefly the criminology that preceded it and by sketching the broader social context of its emergence. 19 notes, 88 references. (Author abstract modified)