Being criminologists, Doing criminology

Tom Bauwens, Sofie De Bus

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingMeeting abstract (Book)

Abstract

Criminology takes a multidisciplinary approach to its subject, drawing upon theoretical frameworks with roots in wider disciplinary inquiry (Einstadter & Henry, 2006, 28). Cohen famously noted: "Somewhat like a parasite, criminology attached itself to its host subjects (notably law, psychology, psychiatry and sociology) and drew from them methods, theories and academic credibility."But, importantly, he continues:"At the same time, somewhat like a colonial power landing on new territory, each of these disciplines descended on the eternally fascinating subjects of crime and punishment and claimed them as its own." (Cohen, 1988: 4).
In the book 'What is criminology', a whole range of authors provide a variety of answers on this question but interestingly, none of these contributors have a first degree in criminology. These disciplinarians see an increasing internal fragmentation, and observe that some of the inherent diversity of our discipline might be lost if the number of undergraduate degrees spring up (Bosworth & Hoyle, 2011, p. 541). Einstadter & Henry (2006: 331), on the other hand, argue that the greatest challenge for criminology is to accomplish interdisciplinary criminological thinking through the lens of disciplinarians.
It is this with this thought that we want to enter in the debate.We, having a BSc and MSc degree in criminology, do not necessarily perceive a loss of diversity. On the contrary, thisdiversity seems to be the point of departure in our own profession as researchers. Boundaries, then, are always questioned. But we will argue that they remain of importance. As Soothill, Peelo & Taylor (2002) point out; they allow us to practice criminology as academic researchers on the one hand, and enable everyone, on the other hand, to attribute certain skillsand insights graduates are expected to have achieved.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean Society of Criminology, 13th Annual Congress 2013, Budapest
Publication statusPublished - Sep 2013
EventEuropean Society of Criminology Conference 2013 - Budapest
Duration: 4 Sep 20137 Sep 2013

Other

OtherEuropean Society of Criminology Conference 2013
Period4/09/137/09/13

Keywords

  • Criminological practice
  • Research

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