This is a non-partisan review of the major sociological theories of crime and deviance. It begins with the work of the "Chicago School" of the 1920s and proceeds chronologically through the main theoretical positions to reach contemporary work on "Left Realism" and feminist criminology. The principal aim is to introduce students to ideas in a manner that is clear and accessible but not biased. The strengths and weaknesses of each theory are assessed so that the reader is able to make an informed judgement about its worth.