ABSTRACT
This chapter uses an historical approach to challenge current causal theories of crime and to expand perspectives on crime to include events indirectly related to risk conditions. I consider three commonly accepted theories about causes of crime and then direct attention to the process of urban isolation that has led to high rates of violence in U.S. cities. I show how taking an historical approach can correct current theory or deepen understanding of criminogenic processes. Before turning to these topics, I discuss two sources of data about crime rates and their biases.
