NCJ Number
164082
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 610- 622
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the current status of sociology and criminology argues that much of what passes for theory in sociology and criminology is fuzzy and imprecise, that an even more basic problem is bad writing, and organized efforts will be required to address this problem.
Abstract
The distinction between imprecise theorizing and flawed or bad writing is not clear-cut. Nevertheless, some criminological debates result mainly to imprecise or bad writing. Bad writing in criminology and criminal justice is attributable to ineptitude, sloth, and hubris. This problem is institutional rather than individual. The first step in solving it is for graduate program faculties in criminology and criminal justice to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem. Once that step is taken, it should be relatively easy to think of ways to provide graduate students with enhanced writing skills. Notes and 20 references (Author abstract modified)