This book explores the work of criminologist Colin Sumner. It re-presents his arguments and ideas on Marxism, ideology, censure, deviance, crime, underdevelopment, social control and the media; situating them in their wider social context. Moxon argues that Sumner should be restored within the criminology discipline as a pioneer who has produced works of great theoretical sophistication and insight. By systematically considering Sumner's entire output, the book shows how his thought involved a gradually deepening understanding of his core notion of ideological censure. His writing is also marked by a growing unease with the effects of late modern capitalism and the quagmire of censoriousness rife in the 21st century. This book makes clear that Sumner's work was remarkably prescient, and his ideas may help up to make sense of complicated times.

Autorentext

David Moxon completed his PhD at the University of Sheffield and was formerly Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. No longer employed in academia, he continues to research and write on criminology in an independent capacity, and frequently draws upon the ideas of Colin Sumner.

Inhalt
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Sumner and ideological censureContext Sumner's concept of ideological censureTo Cambridge
Chapter 3: After censureSumner as criticSumner as theorist of underdevelopmentSumner as media analystSumner as theorist of censureShifting sands
Chapter 4: Sumner and the death of devianceThe Obituary in briefObservations on the Obituary
Chapter 5: After the death of devianceContinued theoretical developmentCensure in the textbooksA return to old themesA retirement of sortsThe continuing controversy over the Obituary
Chapter 6: Sumner and the looking glassCensure and the 2011 riotsMeasure for MeasureA return to first principlesThrough the looking glass
Chapter 7: After Sumner?Sumner's work as a cumulative projectA commitment to theorySumner and MarxismTowards moral renewal?Sumner's influenceThe future