The Second Edition of Correctional Theory: Context and Consequences continues to identify and evaluate the major competing theories used to guide the goals, policies, and practices of the correctional system. Authors Francis T. Cullen and Cheryl Lero Jonson demonstrate that changes in theories can legitimize new ways of treating and punishing offenders, and they help readers understand how transformations in the social and political context of U.S. society impact correctional theory and policy. Designed to motivate readers to become sophisticated consumers of correctional information, the book emphasizes the importance of using evidence-based information to guide decisions, rather than relying on non-scientific common-sense or ideology-based beliefs.
Industry Reviews
"[The] writing style was clear and made the subject matter easily accessible to the students. Good, concise discussion of correctional theories including examples that enhanced the material being covered. The authors ask the readers to consider important questions that are not always considered in the public realm in thinking about whether certain correctional practices work or not. These questions helped promote engaging discussions in class." -- Erin A. Orrick "Abstract theoretical concepts are thoroughly explained and illustrated. It's all done in a brief, relatively readable format." -- Sheryl L. Van Horne "Not too heavy on academic jargon, making it easier for students to follow and grasp" -- Jennifer Cobbina "Readable, Affordable, Theoretically Grounded" -- Randolph Myers "Focuses on the main and essential ideas while providing a clear and to the point conclusion" -- Lior Gideon "The text is an incredible composite of the literature that has shaped correctional practice. The authors have a great capacity for making research interesting and accessible. Cullen and Jonson have accomplished their goal of motivating readers to become sophisticated consumers of correctional knowledge." -- Betsy Matthews "Book promotes thoughts and avoids the traditional corrections textbook structure and content." -- Jack Atherton "It is my experience that students tend to think of theory as boring and unnecessary. This text does a good job of making theory interesting and explaining why it is important. The authors do a good job of connecting theory, methods, and results. The writing style and ways that the authors explain concepts convey a lot of information, which is often quite complex, in an accessible way." -- Jennifer L. Lanterman "This is an excellent text that contributes to the knowledge base by presenting correctional theories in such a way that makes it approachable for students. The discussion of the socio-historical context, how this influenced why the public and criminal justice professionals favored a particular theory, and the resulting policies are important concepts for criminal justice students to understand today... I see its value, and would not hesitate to adopt it for a course." -- Krista S. Gehring "[Strengths include] Writing style, ease of understanding the material, organization and length" -- Charlene Y. Taylor
