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This useful text provides a comprehensive introductory overview of the study of victims and victimization. Victimization is here considered as a reflection of American society. Taking a broad perspective, Elias argues that the study of victimology requires more than merely analyzing criminal justice; it requires linking it to much wider social, political and economic relations--especially to the American political economy. This study rejects the official definition of crime and victimization and establishes a relationship between victimology and human rights, thus advocating a "new" victimology which embraces victims of both crime and repression. Elias proposes that since much crime arises in response to various forms of oppression, a society unconcerned with human rights violations and its victims can likewise provide little help for crime victims.

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CHOICE Review

Although many of the salient findings on victimology are faithfully reported in this exhaustive survey, the overall thrust of the book is critical of the field. Elias argues that the prevailing conception of victimization is too narrow, focusing upon victims of conventional crime and overemphasizing victim provocation and proneness. Elias (author of Victims of the System CH, Apr '84, which challenged the self-serving claims of victim compensation programs) argues for broadening the field to consider victims of all forms of oppression. Elias provides the most fully realized statement of this position and does not shy away from some rather sweeping polemical claims. That victimization from the activities of states and corporations has been more extensive than conventionally identified forms of victimization is an important thesis. It is debatable, however, whether Elias's call for a new victimology-that includes victims of human rights and capitalist oppression as well as other crimes-is realistic and viable. His book effectively complements the approach taken in such mainstream surveys as Andrew Karmen's Crime Victims (1984). Extensive notes will make readers aware of a vast range of sources pertinent to understanding victimization. Upper-division undergraduates and above.-D.O. Friedrichs, University of Scranton