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In the last 50 years, an extensive array of theories
has appeared within the field of criminology, many
generated by the discipline of sociology. With so
many different, competing models and perspectives
surfacing, it is often difficult to determine if
theory growth is actually occurring in criminology,
or if contemporary theories are merely recycled
theoretical models. The question of growth is an
important one to resolve because criminology, if it
is truly a progressive form of social science, ought
to be producing theories that are evolving and
improving, and contributing to the accumulation of
knowledge.
In order to assess the degree of theory accumulation
in criminology, an existing model of theory growth
proposed by David G. Wagner was applied to several
different trajectories in the area of sociologically
based theories within criminology. The findings of
this research demonstrate the potential usefulness of
the model in understanding theory growth and
development within the field of criminology.

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