This revision and update of a 1958 edition deals with the following aspects of theories of criminality: the traditional schools of criminology, positivist theories centering on peculiarities or abnormalities of the individual, positivist theories centering on group or cultural influences, the study of the criminalization process (criteria criminology), criminological theory applied to specific types of crime, and criminological theory in relation to research and correctional practice. In addition to describing common theories of criminality, the book presents an argument for conflict theory in which criminal behavior is seen largely as resulting from socioeconomic conflict. The discussion of positivist theories centering on peculiarities or abnormalities of the individual considers theories related to physical appearance, mental deficiency and feeblemindedness, hereditary and biological defectiveness, and psychiatric theories. Positivist theories focusing on group or cultural influences examine economic conditions and criminality, the ecology of crime, the anomie tradition, and criminal behavior as normal learned behavior. Criminological theory is analyzed as applied to victimless crimes, the organization of criminals for profit and power, and white-collar crime. Also examined are theory as the basis for research, and criminological theory in relation to prevailing correctional practice. Tables, footnotes, references, and an index are provided.