Research work · 2019
Theorising ‘War’ within Sociology and Criminology
A Criminology of War?
Abstract
In chapter two, Theorising “war” within sociology and criminology, we make use of both sociological and criminological scholarship to outline thematically some of the ways in which the subject of “war” has been studied as an interdisciplinary endeavour. This chapter serves two key purposes: first to illustrate that studying “war” has an identity politics of its own within criminology and sociology. Both historical and contemporary work helps reason the study of war as a critical and pacifistic endeavour, particularly via scholarship produced throughout the First and Second World Wars. Second, to make clear that although not sustained throughout its history, studying “war” is not necessarily a new endeavour for criminology (nor sociology).