What does contemporary criminological theory look like? What impact does it have on policy? What might its future be? This substantially revised and updated text provides the student with an accessible understanding of the current nature of criminological theory. Its main focus is on development in criminological theorizing over the past twenty-five years paying particular attention to 'right realism', 'left realism' and developments arising from the influence of theorizing around gender. The relationship of criminological theory and knowledge to current policy agendas is given particular attention in this second edition, and a key concern of the text is to paint a picture for the student of the complex interplay between criminology, criminal justice, social justice and politics.The author concludes by offering an insight into some of the theoretical concerns that might better inform the future development of criminological theory. In all, this represents an ideal theoretical text for students of criminology and trainees in criminal justice, including clear summaries, an expanded glossary and suggestions for further reading.