Evolving Paradigms of Criminological Thought: A Comparative and Integrative Analysis of Social Control, Conflict, Modern, and Contemporary Theories

This research article, authored by Mr. Ganesh Shrirang Nale (Satarkar), M.A. Sociology, Department of Sociology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh–123031, India, offers a comprehensive comparative and integrative exploration of criminological theories within the discipline of Criminology and Sociology of Crime. Evolving_Paradigms_of_Criminolo… The study traces the transformation of criminological thought from traditional social control models to modern rational-choice, situational, cultural, and digital-era criminologies. It systematically analyzes four major paradigms—Social Control Theories, Social Conflict Theories, Modern Criminological Theories, and Contemporary Criminological Perspectives—highlighting their conceptual foundations, methodological approaches, and implications for policy, justice, and society. By synthesizing classical, modern, and postmodern approaches, the article contributes to the evolving interdisciplinary understanding of crime, deviance, social structures, power relations, and digital transformation in criminology.