This text is an introduction to sociological approaches to crime in contemporary Britain, ideal for students taking courses in criminolgy, criminal justice or studying crime as a component of other courses, such as sociology.The text looks at how different kinds of crime are officially defined, socially contructed, researched and analysed. The relationship between crime and social equality is fully explored and the resulting insights are then applied to specific patterns of crime. The causes and nature of crime, together with current key questions and issues are employed to ensure that the reader is presented with a wide selection of research and literature .