Justin Kotzé – författare

The Myth of the ‘Crime Decline’ seeks to critically interrogate the supposed statistical decline of crime rates, thought to have occurred in a number of predominantly Western countries over the past two decades. Whilst this trend of declining crime rates seems profound, serious questions need to be asked. Data sources need to be critically interrogated and context needs to be provided. This book seeks to do just that.

This book examines the wider socio-economic and politico-cultural context within which this decline in crime is said to have occurred, highlighting the changing nature and landscape of crime and its ever deepening resistance to precise measurement. By drawing upon original qualitative research and cutting edge criminological theory, this book offers an alternative view of the reality of crime and harm. In doing so it seeks to reframe the ‘crime decline’ discourse and provide a more accurate account of this puzzling contemporary phenomenon. Additionally, utilising a new theoretical framework developed by the author, this book begins to explain why the ‘crime decline’ discourse has been so readily accepted.

Written in an accessible yet theoretical and informed manner, this book is a must-read for academics and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, and the philosophy of social sciences.

The Myth of the ‘Crime Decline’ seeks to critically interrogate the supposed statistical decline of crime rates, thought to have occurred in a number of predominantly Western countries over the past two decades. Whilst this trend of declining crime rates seems profound, serious questions need to be asked. Data sources need to be critically interrogated and context needs to be provided. This book seeks to do just that.

This book examines the wider socio-economic and politico-cultural context within which this decline in crime is said to have occurred, highlighting the changing nature and landscape of crime and its ever deepening resistance to precise measurement. By drawing upon original qualitative research and cutting edge criminological theory, this book offers an alternative view of the reality of crime and harm. In doing so it seeks to reframe the ‘crime decline’ discourse and provide a more accurate account of this puzzling contemporary phenomenon. Additionally, utilising a new theoretical framework developed by the author, this book begins to explain why the ‘crime decline’ discourse has been so readily accepted.

Written in an accessible yet theoretical and informed manner, this book is a must-read for academics and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, and the philosophy of social sciences.

Making Sense of Ultra-Realism offers readers a unique insight into one of the most significant theoretical advances in 21st century criminology. Drawing upon popular films and television series, including Game of Thrones, Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fight Club and more, each chapter tackles a particular aspect of ultra-realism. By connecting visual texts to theoretical ideas, the authors help to contextualise and clarify core elements of the ultra-realist school of thought, providing a theoretically rich yet accessible introduction to the topic. Often wrongly viewed as opaque and impenetrable, this concise text demonstrates that ultra-realism is anything but that.

Written in a clear and accessible manner, and supported by valuable student insights, this book is ideal for those coming to the subject for the first time. This timely addition to a cutting-edge field is undoubtedly a ‘must read’ on the reading lists of a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as a helpful resource for experienced academics in the fields of criminology, social policy, politics, psychology, philosophy, and sociology.

Making Sense of Ultra-Realism offers readers a unique insight into one of the most significant theoretical advances in 21st century criminology. Drawing upon popular films and television series, including Game of Thrones, Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fight Club and more, each chapter tackles a particular aspect of ultra-realism. By connecting visual texts to theoretical ideas, the authors help to contextualise and clarify core elements of the ultra-realist school of thought, providing a theoretically rich yet accessible introduction to the topic. Often wrongly viewed as opaque and impenetrable, this concise text demonstrates that ultra-realism is anything but that.

Written in a clear and accessible manner, and supported by valuable student insights, this book is ideal for those coming to the subject for the first time. This timely addition to a cutting-edge field is undoubtedly a ‘must read’ on the reading lists of a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as a helpful resource for experienced academics in the fields of criminology, social policy, politics, psychology, philosophy, and sociology.