Book Review: Historical Criminology

Abstract

and pro-choice. It captures issues such as the co-opting of such labels by groups that do not agree with its core aims, but also goes further in placing the concept within its sociopolitical context. The focus within this piece and throughout the entire collection on the work of activists and the power and importance of legal activism is both welcome and noteworthy. Chapter 42 specifically considers the work of the Sister Song Women of Colour Collective. It thereby highlights the limitations embedded in a “reproductive rights” or human rights approach to these issues by examining how reproductive justice means more than simply being legally able to abort a pregnancy. In doing so, its analysis raises the important connection with socio-economic rights such as access to affordable healthcare and the need for any analysis of reproductive rights to consider matters of local infrastructure and resources. This chapter is merely one example of the potential for this volume to stretch and challenge students’ understandings of issues, concepts and approaches within socio-legal studies. Given the clear and abundant strengths of this collection, it is also important to consider any limitations. One concern that did emerge throughout the piece was whether the text potentially creates an “echo chamber” of views that cluster between liberal and left-leaning positions on the political spectrum. This is, of course, not to suggest that the volume should offer any kind of platform to extreme or offensive views that would undermine the progressive and thoughtful nature of its contributions. However, it is as important to showcase disagreement as it is consensus. Returning to the principle against which this volume is to be measured – whether it exposes law and social science students to the study of law and society – it undoubtedly provides a thoroughly global journey through law and society scholarship. It was truly a pleasure to read and review the book as a whole. Readers are likely to dip in and out of the material within this collection, and select only those materials relevant to their studies or to their teaching. However, it is entirely possible and indeed enjoyable to consume the volume in its entirety. Readers are to be assured that doing so is likely to be an incredibly rewarding endeavour, as the volume is a thought provoking stock-take of the variety and quality of law and society scholarship originating from law schools across the globe, and is a credit to the impressive efforts of the volume editors and authors alike.