Bringing Criminological Theory to Life: A Lived Experience Approach to Crime and Desistance

Taking a unique approach to bring the theories of desistance and of development criminology to life, the chapters in this book are framed around a single individual’s life-story which have inspired rigorous, evidence-based and scholarly chapters on key issues in criminology.

Breaking fresh ground, Bringing Criminological Theory to Life chronicles the case study of the rich and fascinating life of Billy, who has moved from being a soldier, to a prisoner, to a university student, to a father and an acclaimed athlete. Enabling a cutting-edge mixture of narrative interviewing methodology and critical analysis and theory, Billy’s journey is accompanied by commissioned essays from leading figures in criminology on several controversial issues brought to life by Billy’s story. From the intersection of military veterans and criminal justice to the importance of cultivating supportive social networks and the role of sport in desistance from crime.

Concluding with a final chapter written by the Editors which reflects on Billy’s inspiring story, the purpose of this book is to bring theory to life for students and practitioners. Inspired by teaching styles whereby real-life experiences are shared by prison-based students that exemplify theory, this book presents a novel means of rendering academic analysis vibrant and accessible.

Emily Turner is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Criminology at The University of Manchester, UK.

Rose Broad is Professor of Criminology at The University of Manchester, UK.

Caroline Miles is Senior Lecturer in Criminology at The University of Manchester, UK.

Shadd Maruna is the Chair of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool, UK.