These authors argue that the realist project, by appropriating the unifying category of crime around which to formulate policies and politics aimed to express the interests of the working class, continues elements of the essentialism of past radical criminologists. This argument is expanded upon in relation to radical criminology, left realism, and the left critiques of left realism. The article also discusses in depth the evolution of Australian criminology by describing post-war developments, the emergence of a radical tendency, and suggestions for future directions, including an assessment of the relevance of left realism in the Australian context. 255 references