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Volume :12 Issue : 2 1984
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The Radical Perspective in Criminology : Idealism or Pragmatism
Auther : Fahed AL – Thakeb
A new perspective known as radical criminology appeared in field of criminology during the 1970,s . this perspective was also described as : Marxist , Conflict , left wing , socialist , and critical. Political and social developments in the U.S during the 1960,s ( The War in South East Asia , The civil rights movement , The new left) prepared the way for the new perspective. Theoretical developments in criminology , and particularly the labeling theory provided new insights & ideas for radicals . this article explores the radical perspective and compares it with the traditional perspective . the comparison contrast their outlook on : the definition of crime , criminal law , criminal justice , the causes of crime , crime prevention , and the role of criminology & criminologists .The main conclusions of this article can be summarized as follows :1) the contribution of radical criminology to the field were largely in the questions it raised and the controversies it created . 2) some of radical writing were utopian , and not in tune with general climate of 1980,s in the U.S & Europe. 3) The majority of radicals will address themselves to more pragmatic & workable alternatives to the traditional crime control policies