Virtually Theoretical: How criminology is preparing society for an increasingly digital life.

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: Theoretical Contributions to Criminology

Abstract

The theories of social science are often reactive rather than predictive. After all, society is a constantly evolving web of interconnected structures, institutions, and people. Yet, digital society is— in a rare occurrence, giving theorists the opportunity to test hypotheses in virtual communities and cultures. This presentation will look at the development of criminological theory, focusing on the scholarly work of Rutgers University, and how the departments contributions to cultural criminology, crime science, and narrative criminology are impacting the study of crime and deviance in ever-changing virtual landscapes. Specifically how virtual spaces are changing the dissemination of culture, how digital architecture is impacting deviant and criminal situations, and the role of misinformation in fostering social division.

Author

• Kurt Fowler, Penn State Abington