Criminology Is Not About Taking Sides

• In Event: Advancing Viewpoint Diversity and Open Inquiry in American Criminology

Abstract

In recent years, criminology has undergone a significant shift in its epistemological orientations. Increasingly, scholars are moving away from a technocratic, policy-driven approach and embracing a framework that prioritizes advocacy for marginalized groups—often defined as the poor, minoritized, or criminal. This trend is part of a broader post-positivist turn that challenges the very possibility of objectivity in social science. While these critiques have gained traction, they obscure a more fundamental issue: criminology should not be about taking sides but about systematically investigating questions and answering them with rigorous analysis. If criminology is to serve the public interest, it must distinguish between research that is methodologically sound and trustworthy and research that prioritizes political commitments over empirical validity. Ultimately, the role of criminologists is not to dictate policy outcomes but to provide accurate, unbiased knowledge that policymakers, practitioners, and the public can use to make informed decisions. Recognizing this distinction is crucial if criminology is to maintain its integrity as a scientific discipline.

Author

• Ashley T. Rubin, University of Hawai'i at Manoa