ULTRA-REALISM
Zemiology and Criminology for the twenty-first century
Welcome to Ultra-Realists! We are researchers and theorists dedicated to the fields of zemiology and criminology. Our objective is to construct a theoretical framework and research programme that will deepen our understanding of the contexts and motivations that lie behind the human propensity to harm others and their environments. We hope to shed some light on the types of political and cultural intervention required to reduce harms as we enter a difficult period of our history.
Explore the site….
Please feel free to explore the site. Read a short outline of ultra-realism’s development, meet our researchers, look through our award-winning books and read the latest entries on our blog.
Revitalizing Criminological Theory.
The second edition of ultra-realism’s foundational text contains the latest advances in our theoretical framework and a detailed discussion of the research projects and publications it has inspired. Publication date: May 30th 2025
What they’re saying about the second edition:
“The breadth and depth of their scholarship is breathtaking. A genuine new dawn for criminology, a green light for new research and theorisation and a must-read for all criminologists” Professor Elizabeth Yardley, Birmingham City University
“Expertly surveying the cultural and economic landscape, Hall and Winlow provide us with the building blocks of a new and distinct criminological paradigm.” Professor Keith Hayward, Copenhagen University
“[T]he second edition again proves Hall and Winlow to be two of criminology’s most innovative and intrepid thinkers. Their rigorous assessment of criminology’s past, its present and the prospects for its future, demands to be taken seriously.” Professor Travis Linneman, Kansas State University
“Few working in the social sciences today can match Hall and Winlow for their bravery, insight and sheer intellectual quality. Anyone interested in actually trying to explain the reality of crime and harm today and must now embrace the new ultra-realism.” Professor Danielle McDermott, Leeds Trinity University
“The sections on subjectivity are stunning…. a unique and sophisticated platform for debate over the coming years.” Professor Georgios Antonopoulos, Northumbria University
“Books like this come along once in a generation…. Finally, the former rendezvous discipline of criminology comes of age with its own ideas.” Dr Sabbirah Osman, Arden University
“Don’t be dissuaded by those who seek to defend the prevailing consensus. Anyone interested in the future of criminology must now open themselves up to the ultra-realist framework.” Dr Tammy Ayres, Leicester University