The Challenges of Comparative Criminology Research

Abstract

There is a growing recognition of the significance of comparative research in criminology. However, this field faces several persistent challenges that hinder its development. These challenges may limit the validity of comparative research findings and introduce potential biases. If not addressed appropriately, these challenges can impede the growth of comparative criminology and its contributions. These primary challenges include a predominance of Western-centric perspectives, the ambiguity arising from involving culture as an explanatory factor in quantitative studies, difficulties in conducting survey research across different countries, and inadequacies in the comparative units utilized. This paper seeks to comprehensively review these challenges in detail and explore the path for the advancement of future research in comparative criminology.