Constructing crime

"Crime and criminals are a pervasive theme in all areas of our culture, including media, journalism, film and literature. Drawn from a range of areas including Spanish, English Language and literature, Music, Criminology, Law, Cultural, Criminal Justice and Gender Studies, the contributors in this cross-disciplinary collection explore how crime is constructed and culturally represented. The essays investigate the ways criminal discourse needlessly construct myths, generate fear and panic, and even hinder our personal freedoms and rights. They examine popular crime fiction and culture, and look at the ways identities are constructed in narratives of crime from across different ages and cultural contexts. Finally, the book addresses how crime can bring to light taboos, stereotypes and schmata relating to gender and sexuality"--Publisher's website.