This book offers the first in-depth investigation into the nature of today's criminal identities. Using unique data taken from criminals locked in lower class locations, the book aims to uncover feelings and attitudes towards a variety of criminal activities, investigating the subtle attractions of violent crime and highlighting the relationship between the lived identities of active criminals and the socio-economic climate of instability and anxiety that permeates post-industrial Britain.This book will be of interest to undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and lecturers in all fields within the social sciences, but especially criminology, sociology, social policy, politics and anthropology.